By Michael Hernandez
WASHINGTON (AA) — US President Joe Biden said Wednesday he has directed his senior officials "to get to the bottom of what happened as quickly as possible" after a truck-ramming attack in New Orleans' historic French Quarter killed at least 10 people.
Biden said he has been "continually briefed" by his senior law enforcement and national security officials throughout the morning "regarding the horrific incident" that unfolded early Wednesday morning, and expressed gratitude to local police whose response prevented "even greater death and injury."
"I have directed my team to ensure every resource is available as federal, state, and local law enforcement work assiduously to get to the bottom of what happened as quickly as possible and to ensure that there is no remaining threat of any kind," the president said in a statement.
"I will continue to receive updates throughout the day, and I will have more to say as we have further information to share. In the meantime, my heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday. There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation's communities," he added.
At least 10 people were killed and 35 other victims injured when a truck plowed through the heart of the French Quarter around 3.15 a.m. (0915GMT) Wednesday morning. The storied area is popular with tourists and is a hotspot for celebrations around major holidays, especially New Year's Eve.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell described the fatal incident during a news conference as a "terrorist attack."
An FBI official who briefed reporters alongside Cantrell said at least one improvised explosive device was found, and that agents were seeking to determine whether it was a "viable device or not."
The attacker also opened fire from his vehicle after it crashed, striking two officers, police said, adding that they are in stable condition. The suspect has been confirmed dead.
The FBI has taken the lead in the ongoing investigation into the attack as a suspected act of terrorism. Officials are expected to brief reporters at 11 a.m. (1700GMT).
The suspect, who has not been publicly identified, drove around a series of barricades erected by police to protect partygoers, New Orleans Police Department Anne Kirkpatrick said, describing the driver as having an "intentional mindset."
"He was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did," she said. "This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could. It was not a DUI situation."
She was referring to driving under the influence, typically of alcohol.