Early on New Year’s Day, tragedy struck New Orleans’ famed French Quarter when a driver wreaked havoc, killing 10 people and injuring more than 30 others. The attack, which occurred around 3:15 a.m. on Wednesday, sent shockwaves through the city, particularly on Bourbon Street, where the festive atmosphere turned into a scene of chaos. The driver steered around a police blockade and rammed a pickup truck into a crowd before being shot to death by police officers.

The attack forced the postponement of a major college football playoff game, which had brought tens of thousands of fans to the city. The FBI has launched an investigation into the incident as an act of terrorism, and believes the driver did not act alone. Authorities found an Islamic State group flag on the vehicle’s trailer hitch, and guns and pipe bombs were discovered inside the vehicle, according to a Louisiana State Police bulletin. The explosives, concealed in coolers and wired for remote detonation, were accompanied by a remote control, while other potential explosive devices were also located in the French Quarter.

Surveillance footage reportedly captured three men and a woman placing one of several improvised explosive devices in the area. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick condemned the attack, calling it “evil” and emphasizing the driver’s intention to cause carnage. “He defeated safety measures that were in place to protect pedestrians,” she said, describing the driver as “hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage.”

After exiting the vehicle, Jabbar opened fire on responding officers. Three officers returned fire, and two were injured but are in stable condition. In total, 33 people were injured in the attack. The FBI has identified the driver as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen and Army veteran from Texas, and is working to uncover any potential links he may have had with terrorist organizations.

President Joe Biden expressed his anger and frustration over the tragedy, offering condolences to the victims and their families. “My heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday,” he said. “There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation’s communities.”

The horrific attack has cast a shadow over the city’s New Year celebrations, leaving the community in mourning. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, urging people to stay away from the area and remain vigilant.