Atlanta Police increasing security for Peach Bowl after New Orleans attack
EDITORS NOTE: Graphic content / Police investigators surround the white Ford F-150 pickup truck that crashed into a work lift after being driven into a crowd of New Year's revelers in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 1, 2025.
ATLANTA - The Atlanta Police Department says it is increasing security after the attack early this morning in New Orleans that resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people and dozens of injuries, including two police officers.
APD posted the following on their X (formerly known as Twitter) account:
"We acknowledge the concerns raised following the events earlier this morning in New Orleans, LA. In advance of the Peach Bowl, the Atlanta Police Department had already implemented increased security measures, including the deployment of additional officers. In light of today's development and as an added precaution, specialized units and additional personnel will be further deployed to the Downtown and Midtown areas to ensure the continued safety and security of residents and visitors.Our thoughts and prayers are with the City of New Orleans and the NOPD."
The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta. The No. 4 seed Arizona State Sun Devils face off against the No. 5 seed Texas Longhorn. More than 70,000 college football fans are expected to attend the game.
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl 2024: Everything you need to know
There are also thousands of people who traveled to Atlanta for New Year's Eve and may still be in the city for an extended weekend.
According to officials, a driver sped through a crowd on Bourbon Street around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday. When confronted by police, there was an exchange of gunfire. Two officers were wounded. The suspected shooter is dead, but it is unknown if the suspect was shot by officers or died by their own hand.
The FBI has confirmed that it is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism, but it is not a confirmed act of terrorism at this time.
"This morning, an individual drove a car into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing a number of people and injuring dozens of others," the FBI said in a statement Wednesday. "The subject then engaged with local law enforcement and is now deceased. The FBI is the lead investigative agency, and we are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism."
The University of Georgia Bulldogs are in the city of New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl, which is scheduled to be played later day in New Orleans' Superdome. At this time, the game is scheduled to proceed as planned. However, security will also be increased surrounding that game.
RELATED: Sugar Bowl in New Orleans scheduled to proceed, thousands of Georgia fans in city
This story is developing. Check back for details. If you have additional information, pictures, or video email newstipsatlanta@fox.com.