The United States saw 2025 begin with a violent attack, after a man drove deliberately at high speed into a crowd of New Year's revellers in New Orleans, killing at least 15 people and wounding dozens more.
Here's what we know so far.
What happened?
A US citizen drove a white Ford pick-up truck flying an Islamic State flag into throngs of people celebrating the New Year in the French Quarter, the Louisiana city's most iconic tourist district, around 3.15am (9.15am Irish time), according to the FBI.
He crashed the vehicle, then opened fire and died in a shootout with police, who said he had driven with the aim of killing as many people as possible.
He had rented the truck on popular car sharing app Turo, authorities said.
What is the toll?
Authorities had earlier put the toll at 10, but an FBI spokesman told AFP it had risen to 15, citing the New Orleans coroner's office.
The assailant shot and wounded two police officers, who were described as being in stable condition, said New Orleans police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick.
What was the motive?
This was not immediately clear, but the FBI said it was investigating the attack as a possible act of terrorism.
President Joe Biden said the suspect had shared videos online that indicated he was "inspired by ISIS", using another name for the Islamic State armed group.
Officials say the pickup truck was flying a black flag of the Islamic State group and that they had recovered two improvised explosive devices.
What is the suspect's identity?
The FBI identified the suspect as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a US Army veteran who was honorably discharged.
He served more than 10 years in the military as a human resource specialist and an IT specialist, according to the Pentagon, which said Jabbar deployed to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010.
He held the rank of staff sergeant when honorably discharged.
Jabbar held a degree in computing from Georgia State University and lived in Houston, Texas, where he had worked as a real estate agent.
He was "inspired" by the so-called Islamic State group and had apprently experienced marital and financial difficulties after leaving the military.
He had posted a series of online videos in which he proclaimed allegiance to the extremist group.
Jabbar was twice-married, according to The New York Times, and had three children.
Criminal records reported by the Times show that Jabbar had two previous charges for minor offenses - one in 2002 for theft and another in 2005 for driving with an invalid license.
Where did the attack take place?
The car-ramming took place in the heart of the French Quarter, a historic district known for its vibrant nightlife with many bars, restaurants and jazz venues.
The French Quarter and New Orleans in general are well known for the raucous pre-Lenten street party known as Mardi Gras.
The city was also hosting tens of thousands of people who came to see a major college football game called the Sugar Bowl, which has now been postponed by 24 hours.
New Orleans is also scheduled to host the Super Bowl on 9 February.
Who are the victims?
Nicole Perez, 28, had just gotten a promotion, was moving into a new apartment and was teaching her 4-year-old son to read before she was killed yesterday morning, Kimberly Usher, her boss, told Reuters.
Ms Usher, who owns the New Orleans-area deli where Ms Perez worked, recounted that Ms Perez would sometimes bring her son to work and play spelling games with him. Ms Usher described Ms Perez as a hard-working mother and a dedicated employee.
"She was just getting a new apartment, so her and her son were about to start their new life," Ms Usher said. "And now that's no more."
Tiger Bech, 27, a native of nearby Lafayette, Louisiana, and a Princeton University graduate, was killed this morning, according to Marty Cannon, the principal at the high school Mr Bech attended.
Mr Cannon said he found out about Bech's death through his network of mutual friends and associates.
Mr Cannon described Mr Bech, who played football at Princeton, as an uncommon intellect and athlete.
"I've seen a lot of great athletes, but there are things that Tiger could do on the football field that I never saw anyone else do," Mr Cannon said.
"He was just a guy of tremendous depth as well. He was smart, he was an intellectual, just an impressive guy."
Mr Bech, who worked in finance in New York, was in town for the holidays, Mr Cannon said.
Read more:
Driver in fatal New Orleans truck attack acted alone - FBI
New Orleans attacker was US Army vet 'inspired' by Islamic State
Nikyra Dedeaux, 18, an aspiring nurse from Mississippi, was among those killed in the ramming attack, according to the Times-Picayune newspaper.
Ms Dedeaux was set to begin a nursing program later in January at Blue Cliff College and was in New Orleans celebrating the New Year with a cousin and a friend, the newspaper said, citing associates of the victim.
Melissa Dedeaux, whom the Times-Picayune identified as Nikyra Dedeaux's mother, appeared to confirm her daughter's death in a widely shared Facebook post yesterday.
"When your parents say don't go anywhere please listen to them," Ms Dedeaux wrote, adding: "My baby is gone y'all. my baby is gone she is no longer with us."
Attempts to contact the elder Ms Dedeaux and confirm her relationship to Nikyra Dedeaux yesterday evening were not immediately successful.
Reggie Hunter, 37, a father of two from Baton Rouge, was among those killed, the Times-Picayune reported, citing a cousin of the victim.
The newspaper reported that Mr Hunter, a warehouse manager, took pride in the academic achievements of his eldest son, who was of school age, and he enjoyed working out with friends and family.
Independent attempts to contact Mr Hunter's cousin, Shirell Jackson, were not immediately successful.
"You always gave the best hugs and had the biggest smile when you walked in a room. We will miss you forever cous."
Matthew Tenedorio, 25, was an audiovisual technician at New Orleans' Caesars Superdome stadium.
His family wrote on a GoFundMe page that he was a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend, with a "laid-back spirit and infectious laughter."
At his job at the stadium, "he played a crucial role in creating memorable experiences for countless fans and event-goers," his family wrote.
His cousin, Christina Colgan Bounds said on a Facebook post that "You always gave the best hugs and had the biggest smile when you walked in a room. We will miss you forever cous."
Kareem Badawi was a student at the University of Alabama, and was one of the victims of the attack, his father Belal Badawi said in a Facebook post.
"It is with great sadness and grief, and with hearts satisfied with Allah’s decision and destiny, I announce the death of my son," his father posted on Facebook. "We ask Allah Almighty to shower his mercy on him, and give us patience and strength to overcome."
Attempts by Reuters to reach Belal Badawi were not immediately successful.
Hubert Gauthreaux, 21, graduated from the Archbishop Shaw High School in New Orleans in 2021, according to a post on the school's Facebook page. The school said he was among those "tragically killed in the senseless act of violence."
"We are asking the entire Archbishop Shaw family to pray for the repose of Hubert's soul, his family and friends during this difficult time, and all those affected by this tragedy," the school said.
Drew Dauphin, a 2023 graduate of Auburn University was among those killed, the school's president Christopher Roberts announced on Thursday on Facebook.
Mr Roberts wrote, "Words cannot convey the sorrow the Auburn Family feels for Drew’s family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time. Our thoughts are with the Dauphin family and the families of all the victims of this senseless tragedy."
Dozens of well-wishers posting on the site included Deavin Willett, who wrote, "He was so loved and this is such a tragic loss to all who had the pleasure of knowing him!"
