Global condemnation has followed a suspected terror attack in New Orleans, where a pickup truck ploughed into a crowd celebrating the New Year, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more.
The driver, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, a US citizen and Army veteran from Texas, sped through crowds in the French Quarter early on New Year’s Day.
Authorities said he steered around a police blockade before driving into revellers on Bourbon Street at around 3.15am.
Jabbar was killed in a shootout with police after the attack. Two officers injured in the exchange are in stable condition, police said.
French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X, posting in both French and English: "New Orleans, so dear to the hearts of the French, has been struck by terrorism.
"New Orleans was initially founded by colonists from France and the attack took place in the Louisiana city's famed French Quarter.
"Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and the injured, as well as with the American people, whose sorrow we share."
'Full solidarity'
The leaders of the UK, Germany, Israel, China, Turkey and Ukraine have all passed on their condolences, while the European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, posted on X: "I am deeply saddened by the deliberate attack on those celebrating New Year's in New Orleans.
"There is no excuse for such violence... We stand in full solidarity with the victims and their families during this tragic time."
Meanwhile, Christian Estrosi – mayor of the southern French city of Nice – which suffered a car-ramming attack in 2016 that killed 86 people, also sent condolences.
"The tragedy in New Orleans, a sister city of Nice, very painfully recalls our own... Our thoughts go out to the families and the lives mowed down in mid-New Year's celebrations," he said on social media.
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Act of terrorism?
The FBI is investigating the attack as an act of terrorism and said it does not believe the driver acted alone.
It unfolded on Bourbon Street – known worldwide as one of the largest destinations for New Year’s Eve parties.
Large crowds also gathered in the city ahead of the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl that had been scheduled for later Wednesday at the nearby Superdome.
The game was postponed until Thursday afternoon following the attack.
Police say the driver steered around a police blockade and raced through a crowd along Bourbon Street around 3:15am Wednesday as revellers gathered to celebrate the New Year.
Two police officers who were wounded in the shootout with the suspect are believed to be in stable condition.
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Suspect explosive devices
Authorities also found potential explosive devices in the French Quarter.
According to a Louisiana State Police intelligence bulletin, surveillance footage has shown three men and a woman placing one of multiple improvised explosive devices.
The FBI say the driver was 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, a US citizen and Army veteran from Texas.
A flag representing the Islamic State group was reportedly found on the vehicle's trailer hitch.
The bureau is trying to determine if Jabbar was associated with any terrorist organisations.
