NEW ORLEANS, LA. (THECOUNT) — On New Year’s Day, a man drove a pickup truck into a crowded street in New Orleans’ French Quarter, killing at least 10 people and injuring over 30 others. The driver broke through police barricades, indicating intentional actions. Subsequently, the driver engaged in a shootout with police and was killed.

Two officers were injured but are in stable condition. The incident, occurring at around 3 a.m. during New Year’s celebrations, is being investigated by the FBI as an act of terrorism, though this classification is still under review by federal authorities. The attack took place just before the Sugar Bowl game scheduled for later that day, heightening concerns over public safety in the area.

Federal authorities tracked the pickup truck used in the attack, finding it had crossed into the United States from Mexico at Eagle Pass, Texas, two days prior to the event. Law enforcement is conducting forensic analyses and probing potential international ties or organizational affiliations of the suspect, whose identity and motives remain under investigation. This angle has added a layer of complexity to the investigation, with federal agencies, including the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, working together to understand the full scope of the incident.

In response to the attack, there has been heightened security in New Orleans, especially with the forthcoming Sugar Bowl football game. While the game was allowed to proceed, significant safety protocols are in place to protect attendees. The tragic nature of the event has sparked debate over whether the game should continue at all, considering the potential risks and the fresh trauma experienced by the community.

Politically, the attack has incited reactions from various quarters, including a statement from President-elect Donald Trump, who condemned the act as an example of the threats posed by alleged ineffective immigration policies. He emphasized support for New Orleans and underscored the perceived connection between immigration and increased crime rates. This statement has fueled political discourse regarding national security and immigration reform, especially from conservative circles that advocate for stricter immigration controls.

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