US President-elect Donald Trump has connected the New Orleans attack, which left 10 dead and over 30 injured, to his warnings about rising crime and border security issues. The tragedy occurred early on New Year’s Day when a pickup truck drove into a crowd in the city’s French Quarter.“When I said the criminals coming in are far worse than those already in our country, Democrats and the Fake News Media constantly refuted me. But I was proven right,” Trump stated. “The crime rate in this country is at unprecedented levels. Our hearts go out to the innocent victims, their loved ones, and the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department.”
Trump pledged his administration’s full support to New Orleans in its recovery and investigation efforts, calling the incident an “act of pure evil.”
Authorities have classified the attack as terrorism. Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick confirmed that the driver acted deliberately, describing him as “intent on causing destruction.” The suspect was killed in a shootout with police, during which two officers were injured but are now stable. Reports from Fox News allege that the attacker had entered the US from Mexico just two days prior.
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos. “A body flew right at me,” said Kevin Garcia, a bystander. Another witness, Whit Davis, described being evacuated from a nightclub. “Police told us to leave the area quickly. I saw dead bodies they couldn’t cover and many people receiving first aid,” he told CNN.
The FBI is collaborating with local authorities to investigate potential use of improvised explosive devices at the scene. The attack took place during one of the French Quarter’s busiest times, as the city prepared for the Sugar Bowl football game.
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation and offered federal assistance. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry condemned the attack as a “horrific act of violence,” and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell described it as a terrorist act.