China condemns terrorist attack in New Orleans, offers condolences to victims' families

China has strongly condemned the terrorist attack that occurred in New Orleans during the early hours of New Year’s Day, offering condolences to the families of the deceased and the injured.

The statement was issued by Mao Ning, the official spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a press briefing, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"China is shocked by this brutal attack and expresses its deepest condolences to the victims, the families of those who lost their lives, and the injured," said Mao. "China has always stood firmly against any acts of violence and terrorism targeting civilians."

Mao also clarified that the Chinese Embassy in the United States had not received reports of any Chinese citizens among the casualties.

The attack took place on Bourbon Street, a popular pedestrian thoroughfare in the heart of New Orleans, around 3 a.m. local time. A vehicle drove into a crowd celebrating the New Year before coming to a halt. The assailant then opened fire on responding police officers, who fatally shot the perpetrator in return fire. Authorities have confirmed that at least 15 people were killed, with at least 30 others injured in the attack.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has classified the incident as a terrorist attack. According to initial reports, the suspect, identified as Shamsud Din Jabbar from Texas, was carrying a flag of the Islamic State (ISIS) during the attack. The FBI is currently investigating his connections to terrorist groups and is seeking any potential accomplices involved in the deadly assault.

By Vugar Khalilov