A federal law enforcement official confirmed that the suspect in the New Orleans attack has died. Preliminary findings suggest the act was intentional. 

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The FBI and police are investigating the vehicle to uncover the motive, reported CNN.

Gunfire exchange with police leads to suspect's death

The driver of the pickup truck was killed after exchanging gunfire with police, according to a senior law enforcement source who spoke to the Guardian. The source revealed that the driver was armed with a rifle and wearing a helmet and body armor.

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FBI investigating ramming as 'act of terrorism'  

The FBI has stated that the individual who drove the truck into a crowd has died. The attack is being investigated as an "act of terrorism."

Here's what happened

On Wednesday (Jan 1), a truck rammed into a crowd in New Orleans at approximately 3:15 am, leaving at least ten dead and over 30 injured.  

The injured were taken to multiple hospitals following the incident. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has since taken over the investigation.  

Collision and shooting at Bourbon Street  

The incident occurred at around 3:15 am at the intersection of Bourbon Street and Iberville. After the truck crashed into the crowd, the driver exited the vehicle and opened fire, injuring two police officers, CBS News reported. 

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell termed the event a "terrorist attack."

Tragedy mirrors Germany's Christmas market attack  

The New Orleans attack comes just days after a similar incident in Germany, where five people were killed and 205 others were injured at a Christmas market in Magdeburg when an individual drove a rented BMW sport utility vehicle through a crowd of revelers.

Police arrested 50-year-old Saudi psychiatrist Taleb A. at the scene.

German authorities are facing accusations of missing clues and failing to provide security ahead of the December 20 attack in the eastern city of Magdeburg.


(With inputs from agencies)