The suspect has been identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, according to four senior law enforcement officials briefed on the matter who spoke with NBC News.
9:42 AM PT — The assailant reportedly had an ISIS flag in his truck, which obviously adds to the evidence this was a terrorist attack.
8:05 AM PT — CNN reports police are boosting security for today’s Peach Bowl.
APD said in a statement, “We acknowledge the concerns raised following the events earlier this evening in New Orleans, LA.”
“In light of today’s development and as an added precaution, specialized units and additional personnel will be further deployed to the Downtown and Midtown areas to ensure the continued safety and security of residents and visitors.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the City of New Orleans and the NOPD.”
7:57 AM PT — Federal law enforcement sources told FOX News the truck used in the New Orleans attack came through Eagle Pass, Texas in November. However, the person who crossed the border with the vehicle is not believed to be the attacker.
President-elect Donald Trump released the following statement on Truth Social:
6:59 AM PT — Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundleyissued a statement regarding the tragedy, stating, “The Sugar Bowl Committee is devastated by the terrible events from early this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We are in ongoing discussions with authorities on the local, state, and federal levels and will communicate further details as they become available.”
Ten people are dead and at least 30 injured in what the New Orleans Mayor is calling a terrorist attack.
A pickup truck with a man behind the wheel careened into a crowd of New Year’s Eve revelers on Canal and Bourbon Street at around 3:15 AM Wednesday … just as the NYE celebration was winding down.
Authorities say the man was traveling at a high rate of speed and went around barricades before slamming his vehicle into the crowd, as he was firing shots from an assault rifle. Two police officers were hit.
Witnesses say the driver was wearing full body armor.
The driver got out of his truck with his weapon and police shot him dead.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell says the driver clearly had an intent to kill as many people as possible.
The FBI is now on the case, and Special Agent Alethea Duncan, who heads up the agency’s New Orleans field office, says they found at least one improvised explosive device on scene.
The injured were taken to 5 hospitals in the New Orleans area.
It’s unclear if the attack will affect the Sugar Bowl, which will be held in the City’s Superdome. Thousands are expected to attend, and it’s a safe bet security will be enhanced.
