Truck from New Orleans terror attack spotted near US-Mexico border just two days prior
- An unidentified male driver intentionally ran down crowds in New Orleans, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
- The vehicle used in the attack had crossed the U.S.-Mexico border just two days earlier and was found to have an ISIS flag.
- The incident has raised serious concerns about security and the classification of terrorist events by law enforcement.
On January 1, 2025, a tragic incident occurred in New Orleans, Louisiana, where a truck plowed into a crowd of New Year's revelers in the iconic French Quarter. This attack killed at least 10 people and injured many others, with reports indicating that the driver intentionally targeted the crowd. Shortly after crashing the vehicle into a small crane, the suspected driver exited the truck and opened fire on law enforcement officers present at the scene. The suspect was shot and killed in the ensuing confrontation with police. Investigators reported that the truck, a Ford F-150 Lightning electric vehicle, crossed the U.S.-Mexico border through Eagle Pass, Texas, just two days before the attack. The FBI identified the suspect as a U.S. citizen from Texas, although his identity has not been released to the public yet. Authorities revealed that at least 35 people were rushed to local hospitals following the attack, with additional details emerging as investigations continued. Eyewitness accounts described a scene of chaos as the vehicle sped towards a crowded area, highlighting the rapid response by New Orleans police who were already stationed for the New Year’s celebrations. The driver, clad in armored gear, was reported to have fired multiple shots at law enforcement officers after crashing the vehicle. In the aftermath, a black flag, believed to be associated with ISIS, was found attached to the truck bed, which has fueled debates regarding the motivations behind the attack. The response from law enforcement and government officials has raised questions regarding the nature of the event, with initial statements declaring it was not a terrorist attack being sharply contradicted by later findings. This inconsistency has sparked criticism aimed at the FBI, particularly after it was revealed that evidence indicating a terrorist motive was apparent shortly after the incident. Local community leaders, including New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, have condemned the attack and voiced support and prayers for the victims and their families as law enforcement continues to investigate this developing story.