The FBI has initiated an investigation into the incident in New Orleans, where a driver crashed into a crowd, and is treating it as a terrorist attack, reported President Joe Biden on Wednesday.
"The FBI is taking the lead in the investigation and is considering this incident a terrorist act," Biden stated in a release published on the White House website.
"I have directed my team to ensure the availability of all necessary resources: federal, state, and local law enforcement are working diligently to resolve what happened as quickly as possible and to ensure there is no further threat," the president added.
Biden extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and injured.
Recently elected President Donald Trump also expressed his condolences to the victims of the incident and their loved ones.
"The Trump administration will fully support New Orleans in its investigation and recovery from this act of pure evil," the elected president added.
At the same time, Trump linked the incident to the issue of illegal immigration.
"When I said that incoming criminals are much worse than the criminals in our country, I was constantly criticized by Democrats and the lying media, but it turned out to be true," Trump wrote on the social network Truth Social.
Earlier on Wednesday, it was reported that a vehicle had struck a crowd in a tourist area of New Orleans, Louisiana. After the crash, the driver exited the pickup truck and began shooting. Police returned fire and shot the suspect.
The tragedy occurred during New Year's celebrations on the streets of New Orleans. According to official reports, 10 people died, dozens were injured, and at least 30 individuals were hospitalized.