New Orleans live updates: Bourbon Street death toll rises

NEW ORLEANS, La. - A driver wrought carnage on New Orleans' famed French Quarter early on New Year’s Day, ramming a pickup truck into a crowd and killing 14 people before being shot to death by police, authorities said.

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect that 14 people were killed by the suspect. The suspect was included when it was announced yesterday that 15 people had been killed. 

More than 30 people were injured in the attack, which the FBI is investigating as an act of terrorism.

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The driver was killed in a firefight with police following the attack around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday along Bourbon Street near Canal Street in an area teeming with New Year's revelers, the FBI said.

All times are in Central Time. 

Thursday

11:30 a.m.

Officials have clarified the number of people killed in the attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans was 14. The last number to be reported – 15 – included the suspect. Officials also announced during a late-morning press conference on Thursday that they believe Shamsud-Din Jabbar acted alone.

Additionally, officials spoke about the incident in Las Vegas where a Tesla exploded outside of the Trump hotel and said at this time, there does not appear that there is any connection between the two incidents. However, they stressed that it is still very early in the investigation. 

Wednesday

8:20 p.m.

The University of Georgia student who was critically injured during the attack was identified as Elle Eisele, according to the Canterbury School in Fort Myers, where she graduated. READ MORE

8 p.m. 

We are learning more about the victims of this deadly attack. Seven people have been named so far. READ MORE

6:55 p.m.

We just received an image from Shamsud-Din Jabbar's passport from the FBI.

6 p.m.

President Joseph Biden addressed the nation on the New Orleans attack, revealing the suspect had posted videos to social media that he was inspired by ISIS and the desire to kill just prior to the Bourbon Street attack.

5:50 p.m.

Georgia Bulldog fans are in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl, but the attack on Bourbon Street has many trying to navigate a surreal reality.

5:30 p.m.

FOX News has confirmed Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar's military record. He served in U.S. Army for several years.

5:20 p.m. 

President-elect Donald Trump is reacting to the New Orleans attack calling it an act of "pure evil."

4:50 p.m.

The death toll from a deliberate crash in New Orleans is now 15, the coroner says.

4:45 p.m.

Delta Air Lines has issued an advisory for travelers to and from New Orleans. Because of the early morning attack on New Year’s Day on Bourbon Street, the airline will be waiving certain fees for some fliers who wish to change their plans flying in and out of Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. READ MORE

4:40 p.m.

Investigators are revealing more about the suspected terrorist, Shamsud Din Jabbar.

4:31 p.m.

The FOX 5 Sport Team, reporting live from New Orleans, hears gunshot during their live shot.

4:30 p. m.

According to DeKalb County court records, Jabbar was married in September 2013 and filed for divorce in DeKalb County in May 2016. During that time, records indicate he was living in a Clarkston apartment complex. READ MORE

3:45 p.m.

Witnesses to the Bourbon Street attack in New Orleans are beginning to share their stories.

3:30 p.m. 

FOX 5 Sports has learned from sources that the kickoff time for the Sugar Bowl will be 4 p.m. Eastern on Thursday. READ MORE

1:45 p.m.

It has been confirmed that the suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who was born in Houston, Texas, was a student at Georgia State University, according to school officials. He attended from 2015 to 2017 and graduated with a B.B.A. in Computer Information Systems. Additionally, Jabbar was a veteran. That information was revealed during a press conference held in New Orleans. 

RELATED: Bourbon Street attack: Who was Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar?

1:30 p.m.

The Sugar Bowl has been postponed at least 24 hours, according to the Sugar Bowl committee. The announcement was made during a press conference on Wednesday afternoon. 

12:30 p.m.

The FBI has confirmed the identity of the driver in the Bourbon Street attack as Texas resident Shamsud-Din Jabbar.

In a new statement, the FBI says the truck Jabbar reportedly drove into a crowd celebrating New Year's was rented and the agency is working to confirm how Jabbar came into possession of the vehicle.

The FBI said investigators found an ISIS flag, weapons, and potential explosive devices in the vehicle. Other possible explosives were located in the French Quarter, and the agency's bomb technicians are working with law enforcement partners to see if any of the devices are viable.

A digital tip line has been set up for anyone with information or video at www.fbi.gov/bourbonstreetattack. Tipsters can also call 1-800-CALL-FBI. 

12:20 p.m.

The University of Georgia has confirmed that a student was critically injured in the Bourbon Street attack.

"We have learned that a University of Georgia student was critically injured in the attack and is receiving medical treatment," University of Georgia President Jere Morehead wrote in a statement posted on the social media platform X. "I have spoken to the student’s family and shared my concern, support, and well wishes on behalf of the entire UGA community."

The student has not been identified.

12:02 p.m.

A FOX News Digital source has identified the driver suspected of intentionally driving his truck into a New Orleans crowd as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar.

According to the high-level source, Jabbar was a resident of Houston, Texas and there may be four to five other suspects involved.

The source told FOX News Digital that an ISIS flag was found on the pickup truck.

11:16 a.m.

Law enforcement recovered a handgun and AR-style rifle after the driver killed 10 in New Orleans, officials told the Associated Press.

10:55 a.m.

FOX News reports that the truck used in the crime crossed into Texas in November, not two days ago, per sources. Sources also said the driver doesn't appear to have been the suspect in Wednesday's deadly crowd crash. 

10:34 a.m.

President Biden addresses reporters after releasing a statement earlier:

I have been continually briefed since early this morning by federal law enforcement leadership and my homeland security team, including Secretary of Homeland Security Ali Mayorkas, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and the Mayor of New Orleans regarding the horrific incident that occurred there overnight. The FBI is taking the lead in the investigation and is investigating this incident as an act of terrorism. I am grateful for the brave and swift response of local law enforcement in preventing 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.

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.

10:25 a.m.

The White House releases a statement. 

"President Biden called New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell this morning to offer full federal support following the horrific news that a driver killed and injured dozens of individuals in New Orleans overnight," the White House tweeted. 

9:52 a.m.

FOX News reports the vehicle used in the crime passed through Eagle Pass, Texas, but the suspect's citizenship status is not known.

9:44 a.m.

President-elect Donald Trump releases a statement via Truth Social calling the crime a "pure act of evil."

7 a.m.

Authorities hold a news briefing. 

Alethea Duncan, an assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s New Orleans field office, said officials were investigating the discovery of at least one suspected improvised explosive device at the scene.

"A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning," Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry wrote on social media. "Please join Sharon and I in praying for all the victims and first responders on scene."

Landry also urged "all near the scene to avoid the area."

The suspect died after a gunfire exchange, according to FOX News and the Associated Press, both citing anonymous law enforcement officials. It was unclear if he was hit by an officer or if he ended his own life. 

3:15 a.m.

Police said the driver sped through a crowd along Bourbon Street around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday as revelers had gathered to celebrate the start of the New Year. 

Ten people were killed and more than 30 others were injured and taken to five local hospitals. Two police officers were also wounded in a shootout with the suspect.

Investigators were combing the French Quarter for potential explosive devices, a law enforcement official told the Associated Press. The official was not authorized to discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.