Was the New Orleans Bourbon Street killing a terrorist attack?
Bourbon Street in New Orleans was the subject of an attack which saw a vehicle drive into a number of people, 10 of whom have died.
An horrific attack took place on Bourbon Street in New Orleans as a vehicle was driven intentionally around barricades to injure a large number of people, with 10 reported dead.
Two police officers were shot after the individual crashed the car and opened fire on the authorities. An Improvised Explosive Device was also reported to have been found.
Speaking to the media, New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell said that the investigation remains “very active”. The perpetrator’s whereabouts are unknown.
FBI and Mayor at odds over definition
Confusion arose after the message from Cantrell, who called the incident a “terrorist attack”.
“We do know that the city of New Orleans was impacted by a terrorist attack,” Cantrell said, adding that she is in contact with the White House. “It is all still under investigation... I am asking for prayers for those who have lost their lives. In addition to that, I am asking the public to stay clear of 8 blocks around Bourbon Street.”
Shortly afterwards, an FBI agent countered the Mayor, saying “this is not a terrorist event.” At the time of writing, it is unclear as to why both parties have shared differing labels.
Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said that the incident was “very intentional behaviour” and not a drink-driving incident.
Sky News confirmed that the attack was being called a ‘terrorist attack’, given that in the States the term can be used as anything that drives fear into people and is not necessarily motivated by common themes among previous, more high-profile attacks, driven by religion.
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At the time of writing, the motive for the attack has not been clarified.