FBI investigating ‘terrorist act’ after at least 10 people died in New Orleans
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The FBI is investigating an “act of terrorism” after at least 10 people were killed and 35 injured early Wednesday morning when a man drove a pickup truck into a large crowd in downtown New Orleans.
The FBI identified the suspect in the attack as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42 years old WE citizen from Texas. The FBI said it did not believe he was fully responsible for the attack and said the investigation was “live.”
The FBI, which is leading the investigation, said an IS flag was attached to the vehicle and that they are currently “working to determine the subject’s possible connections and links to terrorist organization”.
The FBI said Jabbar previously served in the U.S. military and believes he was honorably discharged.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said authorities are focused on “hunting down some bad guys” and protecting this city.
The attack in Louisiana’s largest city occurred early in the morning on New Year’s Day along Bourbon Street, one of the main thoroughfares in the historic French Quarter, home to many bars, restaurants and music venues. , attracting domestic and international tourists.
Anne Kirkpatrick, chief of the New Orleans Police Department, said that at about 3:15 a.m. local time, a man drove a pickup truck down Bourbon Street at a “very fast speed.” The FBI said the truck was rented.
“It was very intentional behavior. This man was trying to hit as many people as possible,” Kirkpatrick added. “He was determined to create the carnage and damage that he caused.”
The FBI also said “weapons and an improvised explosive device may have been found in the subject’s vehicle.” Authorities said other explosive devices were found elsewhere in the French Quarter.
The agency added that its bomb disposal technicians are “working with our law enforcement partners to determine whether any of these devices are operable and that they will make every effort to ensure the safety of those devices.”
Kirkpatrick said two police officers were shot by the driver and are in stable condition. The FBI said the perpetrator of the attack has died.
LaToya Cantrell, mayor New Orleans, said the city had been affected by a “terrorist attack” without providing further details.
“What I ask for at this time is prayers for those who lost their lives in the city of New Orleans because of this tragedy,” she said.
US President Joe Biden said he had been “continuously briefed by federal law enforcement leaders and my homeland security team since early this morning”.
Biden said he had directed officials to “ensure every resource is available as federal, state and local law enforcement work diligently to get to the bottom of what happened as quickly as possible.” possible and ensure that there is no longer any threat.”
President-elect Donald Trump described the incident as an “act of pure evil” on his Truth Social media platform and said his incoming administration would “fully support the city of New Orleans as they investigate and recover” from the attack.
New Orleans is usually packed with tourists during the holiday season, but the city is especially crowded on New Year’s Eve this year because of the Sugar Bowl American football game scheduled for Wednesday between the University of Georgia and the University of Notre Dame. Dame.
Authorities said the sporting event would be postponed for a day and urged people to stay away from the area where the attack occurred.
