Crime
Video shows moments cops on Bourbon Street went flying on foot when car-ramming attack call came in
Sources told Channel2 NOW that driver in New Orleans attack is dead.
New Orleans, Louisiana – Conflicting statements have emerged from local and federal authorities following the tragic events early on New Year’s Day that left 12 dead and 26 injured on Bourbon Street.
The Mayor of New Orleans initially referred to the incident as a “terrorist attack” during a press briefing, while the FBI later stated that the event does not meet the criteria for a terrorist incident.
Sources told Channel2 NOW that driver in New Orleans attack is dead.
The horrifying chain of events began when a suspect driving a pickup truck plowed into a crowd gathered on Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter.
After the collision, the suspect exited the vehicle and opened fire, resulting in additional casualties before law enforcement neutralized the attacker.
The FBI has since taken over the investigation. During their initial assessment, officials discovered an improvised explosive device (IED) in the vicinity of the attack. Authorities are still determining whether the device was viable and if it posed an immediate threat to public safety.
The crime scene remains highly active, with eight blocks surrounding the area closed off as federal, state, and local agencies conduct a thorough investigation. Residents and visitors are strongly urged to avoid the French Quarter until further notice.
In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, the Mayor of New Orleans declared the attack a deliberate act of terrorism.
However, during the same press conference, an FBI spokesperson clarified that, at this time, there is no evidence linking the event to terrorism.
“This is an evolving situation, and we are meticulously analyzing all evidence to determine the motive and whether the suspect acted alone,” the FBI spokesperson stated.
The catastrophic attack has left the city in mourning, with local hospitals treating numerous victims for injuries sustained during the ramming and gunfire. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released pending notification of their families.
Federal investigators are working to piece together the attacker’s background, potential affiliations, and the circumstances leading up to the incident.
This is a developing story, and authorities are expected to provide additional updates as the investigation progresses.
Crime
Ohio Shooting Leaves Suspect and 4-Year-Old Girl Dead, Officer Injured
During the exchange of gunfire, 4-year-old Rosalie Carey, who was inside a nearby business, was tragically struck by a stray bullet.
COLUMBIANA COUNTY, OH – A tragic shooting incident in Calcutta on Wednesday afternoon resulted in the deaths of a suspect and a 4-year-old girl, while a police officer remains hospitalized after undergoing surgery.
According to St. Clair Township Police Chief Brian McKenzie, officers responded around 2 p.m. to reports of a suicidal male walking down the street with a firearm.
Upon locating the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Joseph Como, officers attempted to make contact.
“Almost immediately, the man pulled a weapon and opened fire on my officers,” McKenzie stated. “Officers returned fire, striking the suspect.”
During the exchange of gunfire, 4-year-old Rosalie Carey, who was inside a nearby business, was tragically struck by a stray bullet.
She was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to her injuries later in the evening, authorities confirmed.
Como was also fatally wounded during the shootout and pronounced dead at the scene.
One St. Clair Township police officer Dakota Wetzel sustained gunshot wounds and was airlifted to a hospital in Pittsburgh, where he underwent emergency surgery.
Chief McKenzie reported that the officer is currently in stable condition and is receiving medical care.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our injured officer and the family of the young girl whose life was tragically lost,” McKenzie said. “Right now, we are working diligently to gather all the facts and keep the community informed.”
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has assumed responsibility for the case and is conducting a thorough review of the incident. Counselors have been made available to support the officers involved.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information regarding the incident to contact the St. Clair Township Police Department.