The police commissioner of New Orleans stated that the Sugar Bowl would take place as planned on Wednesday night, despite an ongoing investigation following a deadly incident on Bourbon Street. A man in a pickup truck drove through crowds early on Wednesday, killing 10 people and injuring at least 35 others.
Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick confirmed that officers would ensure safety at the Sugar Bowl and the game would go ahead as scheduled. The tragic event occurred around 3:15 a.m. on Wednesday in New Orleans’ French Quarter, a popular destination for New Year’s Eve celebrations. The city was also bracing for the College Football Playoff game between Georgia and Notre Dame at the nearby Superdome that night.
Kirkpatrick described the attack as intentional, saying, “He was hell-bent on causing damage. This man wanted to run over as many people as he could.” Authorities reported that the male driver was shot and killed by police after he got out of his truck. He was armed with an assault rifle and had been firing a gun while driving through the crowd.
The FBI has taken over the investigation, calling it an act of terrorism. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell also called it a terrorist attack. FBI officials revealed that they found at least one suspected improvised explosive device at the scene.
The Sugar Bowl Committee expressed its sorrow over the events, saying, “We are deeply devastated by what happened this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.” The committee added that it was in constant contact with local, state, and federal authorities for updates.
NOLA Ready, the city’s emergency preparedness department, confirmed that the injured had been taken to five local hospitals. Two police officers, who were shot after the driver exited the truck, are now in stable condition, according to Kirkpatrick.
This incident has shocked the city, but plans for the Sugar Bowl are still moving forward.
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