Louisiana Governor declares state of emergency

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has declared a state of emergency in New Orleans following a terrorist attack on Bourbon Street early New Year's Day that left at least 10 people dead and 35 others injured.

The declaration will allow state resources to be mobilized quickly to enhance safety across the city, as authorities investigate the attack carried out by Shamsud Din Jabbar. Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas, drove a rented Ford pickup truck into a crowd before being killed by police. The FBI revealed that Jabbar had an ISIS flag inside the vehicle and suspects he may have had accomplices.

In response to the attack, the highly anticipated Sugar Bowl playoff game between Georgia and Notre Dame, initially scheduled for Wednesday at the Superdome, has been postponed to Thursday. Additionally, the city is ramping up security preparations for the Mardi Gras season, which begins on January 6, and for Super Bowl LIX, set to take place on February 9.

Speaking at a press conference, Governor Landry emphasized his administration's commitment to public safety. "From day one, my commitment to the people of this state has been that we will not look the other way," he stated. "We will not allow heinous acts of crime such as the one this morning to dampen the Louisiana spirit and ruin our way of life. This administration will not tolerate one of the jewel cities of the state to remain in these conditions. This state of emergency is a necessity to ensure that every single person, place, and street across the city of New Orleans is the most safe and secure in the world."

Investigations into the incident are ongoing as officials work to determine whether Jabbar acted alone or with the assistance of others.