According to Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department Anne Kirkpatrick the assailant displayed “very intentional behavior,” driving past barricades as well as shooting into the crowd.

Kirkpatrick told reporters at a press conference early Wednesday morning that the attack started at approximately 3:15 a.m. local time. She says the perpetrator was “trying to run over as many people as he possibly could.”

Police also indicated that it is unclear at this time how many victims are tourists to the popular celebration destination and how many are New Orleans residents. 

Two police officers were also shot in the incident, but their reported condition is stable.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell described the event as a “terrorist attack.” 

This sharply contradicts the statement from FBI special agent Aletha Duncan on behalf of federal investigators. Duncan told reporters explicitly, “This is not a terrorist event.” 

President Joe Biden has been briefed on the incident, and the White House has been in contact with Cantrell to offer additional federal support, according to a White House press statement. He will continue to brief throughout the day as the situation evolves.

Federal and local law enforcement also said that they found a possible explosive device at the scene, which they are still examining to see if it is viable.
Residents and tourists in New Orleans are advised to avoid the Bourbon Street area as the investigation is ongoing. 

Law enforcement also said that one of their priorities is to ensure the safety of the city’s Superdome football arena ahead of the Sugar Bowl college match this evening.