“Cops everywhere, lights everywhere, and people were screaming.”
That was the scene one former Denver7 photojournalist recalls witnessing after a man drove a white pickup truck into one of the busiest parts of the country, the French Quarter in New Orleans, during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, has been named as the suspect in what law enforcement is deeming a terrorist attack, killing at least 10 people and sending dozens more to nearby hospitals.
Franz Barraza recently left Denver7, moving to New Orleans with his wife about three months ago.
He and his wife were heading home just after 3 a.m. Wednesday when chaos erupted. He says the two were escorted into a nearby club for safety.
“Some people were crying. I saw blood, and it’s just … not what you imagine to start 2025,” said Barraza.
“As soon as we walked out, I saw at least five bodies lying on the floor. It was scary. It was. It was pretty shocking,” he said.
City officials and the FBI hosted a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.