Just hours into the new year, New Orleans’ famed Bourbon Street became the site of a devastating tragedy.

A driver of a pickup truck intentionally plowed into crowds celebrating in the French Quarter, killing 10 people and injuring at least 35 others. Federal authorities are now investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.

Bourbon Street, renowned as a global destination for New Year’s Eve revelry, was teeming with visitors.

The city was also preparing for the Sugar Bowl college football playoff game at the nearby Superdome, further swelling the crowds.

“This was not a DUI situation,” New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick stated. “This was intentional.” She emphasized that the suspect’s actions were calculated to maximize harm, deliberately targeting pedestrians in the busy tourist area.

At approximately 3:11 a.m. on January 1, the suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, bypassed barricades at Canal and Bourbon streets, accelerating into the crowd.

He continued for nearly three blocks, crossing Iberville and Bienville streets, before crashing into heavy machinery just before Conti Street.

After the collision, Jabbar exited the vehicle and opened fire on responding police officers, injuring two. Both officers are currently in stable condition. Jabbar was fatally shot during the exchange with law enforcement.

Authorities recovered a handgun, an AR-style rifle, and an ISIS flag from the truck. Investigators also discovered potential explosives in the vehicle, prompting ongoing searches throughout the area.

The pickup truck, bearing Texas license plates, was tracked crossing the U.S.-Mexico border at Eagle Pass, Texas, in November.

Federal authorities clarified that the individual who initially brought the vehicle into the U.S. is not believed to be the attacker.

The FBI has confirmed they are treating the incident as an act of terrorism. “This morning, an individual drove a car into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing a number of people and injuring dozens of others.

The subject then engaged with local law enforcement and is now deceased. The FBI is the lead investigative agency, and we are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism,” the agency said in a statement.

Victims’ families are being directed to the University Medical Center (UMC) Conference Center on the first floor, near Tower 2, to receive updates and support.

The attack has left New Orleans and the nation reeling. As investigations continue, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity.

Law enforcement agencies at local, state, and federal levels are collaborating to uncover the full scope of the attacker’s motives and any potential accomplices.