Conflicting narratives emerge over New Orleans street attack
The incident on Wednesday in New Orleans, where at least ten people died, was a "terrorist attack," declared the city's mayor, LaToya Cantrell. However, the FBI refutes her statement.
Early Wednesday morning, a lorry forcefully drove into the crowd enjoying the street on Bourbon Street in New Orleans' French Quarter. At least ten people lost their lives, and 35 – according to the latest reports – were injured.
Anne Kirkpatrick, Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department, stated that the man bypassed the barricades and sped down Bourbon Street "deliberately" before opening fire on the officers.
Kirkpatrick stated that the individual intended to target and hit as many people as possible.
The city's mayor, LaToya Cantrell, described the incident as a "terrorist attack."
The FBI provided a different perspective, clarifying that the incident was not considered an act of terrorism. However, FBI agent Alethea Duncan stated on Wednesday that improvised explosive devices were discovered, and an investigation is underway to determine if they were operational.
The Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, described the incident as a "horrific act of violence" and called on platform X for prayers for the victims.
Among those injured were also two police officers who were shot.
Attack in the French Quarter
According to CBS News, citing witnesses, after driving into the crowd, the lorry driver exited the vehicle and began shooting.
City authorities and the police have not provided any information about the man who drove the lorry. It is unknown what his condition is or where he is at the moment.
These dramatic events shook the residents of New Orleans and the entire country. The authorities are appealing for calm and cooperation in the investigation, which aims to determine all the circumstances of this tragic incident.