“This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could,” NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said.

After driving through the crowd, the suspect shot two officers after he crashed his vehicle.

An improvised explosive device was also found at the scene.”

As of this writing the facts remain the same except for the most important one of all: 15 dead. A suspect has been identified. I’m not writing about him until more is known.

What a fucking mess.

One good thing about being a notorious NYE hater is that I was not deluged with inquiries as to how I was doing. I did, however, mark myself as safe on Facebook for those who know Peter but not Adrastos.

I avoid the Quarter at this time of year but not because I expect some evil asshole to drive into a crowd who, in the words of Chief Kirkpatrick, was “hellbent on causing as much carnage as possible.”

In the past, there have been drunk drivers who plowed into parade crowds, but it was never done with intent to kill as many people as possible. This was a sick motherfucker who committed an act of terrorism. He apparently did not act alone, which will thrill conspiracy minded Americans everywhere.

What a fucking mess.

The featured image is of yesterday’s press briefing. Gret Stet and local officials did not distinguish themselves. The Clownfish took command of the room and proceeded to do what he does best: LIE. He acted as if he’s in charge when it’s the FBI. Gov. Landry and Senator John Neely Kennedy engaged in some competitive dick waving as they tried to bully the media into not asking questions. It felt like a preview of coming MAGA attractions.

The presser was also a sign of Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s waning influence. It’s hard to imagine first term Teedy allowing Landry to take charge. She would have cut him off at the pass and perhaps even cut off the tiny member he was waving about. Now that I’d like to see. This press briefing not so much.

I hadn’t planned to go partisan on the misbehavior of Gret Stet GOPers at the presser, but they painted targets on their backs. It was not an inspiring performance.

What a fucking mess.

Until today, I had vague hopes of a better year locally: we’re electing a new mayor this fall. City government has been rudderless in Cantrell’s second term as she has focused on fending off a federal indictment and questions about her personal life. Being a big city mayor is a thankless job. Being mayor of New Orleans is even worse.

My original plan for today was to review the HBO Yacht Rock documentary. It’s hard to think of a more frivolous subject, which makes it inappropriate for posting today. It’s still in the pipeline. Stay tuned.

Repeat after me: What a fucking mess.

The last word goes to Louis Armstrong: