At least 10 dead after truck plows into New Year’s crowd in New Orleans Photos News

A deadly car attack in New Orleans brought chaos and mourning to New Year’s celebrations in the Louisiana city, with authorities investigating the incident as an “act of terrorism.”

At least 10 people were killed when a Ford truck crashed into a crowd early in the morning on Bourbon Street in the center of the French Quarter, one of the most touristic areas of the US city.

Another 35 people were injured in Wednesday’s attack, which officials ruled was not an accident.

The pickup eventually crashed and the driver fired at law enforcement as he attempted to flee. Two officers were shot and the suspect was killed in the exchange.

Later, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified the suspect as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a US citizen from the neighboring state of Texas.

At an afternoon press conference, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan of the FBI’s New Orleans division said Jabbar was “not solely responsible” for the attack and appealed to the public for more information.

Investigators found that an explosive device was found in his car, as well as a flag associated with the ISIS militant group (ISIS).

The bloodshed on Bourbon Street drew condolences from US leaders, including outgoing President Joe Biden and his successor, President-elect Donald Trump, who is expected to take office on January 20.

“My heart goes out to the victims and their families who are just trying to celebrate,” Biden said in a statement. “There is no excuse for any violence, and we will not tolerate any attack on any community in our nation.”

Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, New Orleans is the center of Cajun culture in the United States, which has a mix of French, African and Native influences.

The city’s French Quarter is a beacon for tourists looking to enjoy New Orleans-style jazz, booze and entertainment. The city brings in billions tourism revenue every year.

The investigation into the hit-and-run incident is ongoing, with the FBI leading the investigation. No motive has yet been released.

But New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick emphasized that the attack was “very intentional.”

“This is not only a terrorist act. This is evil,” he said at an afternoon press conference. “And when faced with evil, we have a choice.”

“As the police chief of this city, I promise you that this city has been under fire before. But fire cleans. Fire makes everything stronger.”