Fifteen people are now known to have died when a pick-up truck was driven into crowds celebrating the new year in the city’s popular French Quarter. "At least" another 35 were injured in the attack.
Authorities in the US have confirmed an Islamic State group flag was found in the vehicle. President Joe Biden said the attack had been inspired by IS, citing security briefings, the BBC reports.
The man driving the truck was shot dead by police following a confrontation. The FBI has named him as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a US citizen from Texas, understood to be a former soldier.
Speaking to US media, Louisiana’s attorney general Liz Murrill said she could say "with some certainty" the suspect had not been acting alone. Several court-authorised searches are under way in New Orleans and in other states, said the FBI.
The FBI also confirmed weapons and a potential IED (improvised explosive device) were found in the vehicle driven by Jabbar, while other potential IEDs were located in the French Quarter.
New Orleans is one of the US’s most popular destinations, known for its colourful Mardi Gras celebrations during the early months of the year. The attack happened in Bourbon Street, a popular nightlife spot filled with bars, restaurants and clubs, as well as live music venues.
In an update to its travel advice for the US, the FCDO said: "On 1 January, an individual drove a vehicle into a crowd of people in New Orleans.
"Any British nationals in need of assistance should call +1 202 588 6500 or visit contact.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/emergency-help. In the UK, call +44 (0) 20 7008 5000."
Vegas incident
Separately, a Tesla Cybertruck packed with fuel canisters and fireworks exploded outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday (1 January), killing the driver and injuring several others.
President Biden said US authorities were investigating where there were any potential connections between the incident in Las Vegas with the attack in New Orleans.
