Crime
New Orleans car-ramming terrorist attack: Flagpole on the back of truck sparking mass speculation
Per law enforcement sources, a long gun has been recovered from scene.
A tragic New Year’s celebration in New Orleans turned into a mass casualty event when a white electric Ford SUV rammed into a crowd of revelers in the French Quarter, killing 10 people and injuring 30 others.
The incident occurred around 3:50 a.m. on Bourbon Street, during festivities to ring in 2025.
Attention has turned to the suspect’s vehicle following the attack. Images of the SUV taken after the collision show what appears to be a metallic gray jacket wrapped around a flagpole mounted on the back of the vehicle.
Earlier video footage from the same morning suggests a black flag was dangling from the same pole before the attack.
It remains unclear whether the pole or any associated objects were placed on the SUV prior to or after the heinous act.
This detail has sparked significant online speculation as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.
After driving into the crowd, the unnamed suspect exited the vehicle and opened fire, injuring two New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers.
The officers, both in stable condition, returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect.
Authorities described the driver’s actions as demonstrating “very intentional behavior,” indicating premeditation. Investigators are still working to determine the motive behind the attack and whether the suspect acted alone.
During the investigation, an improvised explosive device (IED) was found near the attack site. At approximately 8:30 a.m., a “small explosion” was reported in the French Quarter, which officials confirmed was a controlled detonation by the bomb squad to neutralize the device.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell described the incident as a “terrorist attack” during an initial briefing and confirmed she has spoken with the White House regarding the situation.
The FBI has taken over the investigation, formally classifying the event as an act of terrorism.
The suspect’s identity remains undisclosed as the investigation continues. Officials are focusing on the SUV, the mysterious object attached to it, and the IED to determine their significance in the attack.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any information that might assist in the investigation. Updates are expected as more evidence is analyzed and officials work to bring clarity to this senseless act of violence.
Crime
33-year-old Shawn Egner killed in Hamilton shooting
The other individual involved remained at the scene and is currently cooperating with detectives.
HAMILTON, OH — The Hamilton Police Department is actively investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Tuesday morning, leaving 33-year-old Shawn Egner dead.
Police responded to reports of shots fired around 5:45 a.m. in the 1100 block of Clovernook Drive, located off Southern Hills Lane near Hamilton Cleves Pike Road (Ohio 128).
Upon arrival, officers discovered Egner suffering from gunshot wounds.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to initial emergency communications, Egner was allegedly shot during an altercation involving two adults.
The other individual involved remained at the scene and is currently cooperating with detectives.
Police initially reported that the suspect may have fled in a purple Honda Civic, but further investigation has clarified that no additional suspects are being sought at this time.
Hamilton Police Spokesman Sgt. Brian Ungerbuehler stated that while detectives are interviewing the person involved in the altercation, no charges have been filed.
The decision regarding potential charges will be made in consultation with the Butler County Prosecutor’s Office as the investigation progresses.
Officers blocked off Southern Hills Lane at Hamilton Cleves Pike Road for several hours to process the scene, gather evidence, and interview witnesses.
The motive behind the altercation that led to Egner’s death remains under investigation, and police have not released further details about what may have caused the confrontation.
“This investigation is still in its early stages,” said Sgt. Ungerbuehler. “We are working diligently to piece together the events that led to this tragic outcome.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact Detective Ruhl at 513-868-5811, ext. 1271. Tips can remain anonymous.
The Hamilton Police Department will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.