FBI says suspect acted alone; other things to know
FBI probes New Orleans truck attack
What we know: Around 3:15 a.m. local time, the driver of a rented pickup truck drove onto a sidewalk, steering around a police car that was positioned to block vehicular traffic, and slammed into revelers celebrating the new year on Bourbon Street.
The driver was killed by police after he exited the truck and opened fire on responding officers, authorities said. Three officers returned fire, and two were shot and were in stable condition.
Authorities also found two potential explosive devices hidden in coolers, the FBI said. Initially agents were looking for accomplices who may have placed them around the French Quarter but they now say those people were just bystanders and Jabbar acted alone.
What we don’t know: Officials have revised the death toll down to 14 from 15 but have not yet identified the victims killed in the attack.
New Orleans Coroner Dr. Dwight McKenna said in a statement late Wednesday that they will release the names of the dead once autopsies are complete, and they’ve talked with the next of kin.
What’s next:
The FBI is seeking more information. They want to talk to anyone who knew Jabbar and any witnesses who may have seen the improvised explosive devices he left in the French Quarter.
“Whether you know Jabar, personally worked with him, served in the military, or saw him in New Orleans or Texas, we need to talk to you,” FBI assistant director Christopher Raia said Thursday. “You may not think you have relevant information, but what you know could tie in to one of our investigators’ leads.”
Full Thursday afternoon briefing: FBI now believes no one helped Jabbar in attack
New Orleans attack suspect
Digging into Shamsud-Din Jabbar’s past in Texas
Here’s what we know about Shamsud-Din Jabbar’s past in Texas based on court records in Houston and surrounding areas. Jabbar was identified as the driver who plowed into a crowd on Bourbon Street on New Year’s Day, killing at least 15 people.
What we know: The FBI said Jabbar was a U.S. citizen and Army veteran from Texas. A flag representing the Islamic State group was found on the vehicle’s trailer hitch, according to the agency.
The suspect had posted five videos on social media hours before the attack saying he was inspired by the Islamic State group and expressing a desire to kill, President Joe Biden said, calling the attack a “despicable” and “heinous act.”
Jabbar joined the Army in 2007, serving on active duty in human resources and information technology and deploying to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010, the service said. He transferred to the Army Reserve in 2015 and left in 2020 with the rank of staff sergeant.
What we don’t know: The FBI is trying to determine the motive and Jabbar’s specific choice of Bourbon Street for the attack. They also want to know if Jabbar was truly associated with ISIS, along with his “path to radicalization.”
Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion
Watch: Explosion in Cybertruck outside Trump hotel
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department provided updates and released this footage after an explosives-laden Cybertruck burned outside the front doors of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day.
What we know: On the same day as the attack in New Orleans, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, loaded with fireworks and other devices, according to police.
The driver, identified by police as Matthew Livelsberger, was killed in the blast, and seven people nearby were injured.
Police are investigating the explosion as possible terrorism with help from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has been posting updates on social media.
What we don’t know: It was not clear if the explosion was connected to the apparent terror attack along Bourbon Street in New Orleans, but officials now say they don’t believe that’s the case.
Sugar Bowl to kick off in New Orleans
What we know: The College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl between Georgia and Notre Dame was postponed by a day because of the truck attack, which unfolded about a mile away.
“Public safety is paramount,” Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley said at a media briefing alongside federal, state and local officials, including Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “All parties all agree that it’s in the best interest of everybody and public safety that we postpone the game.”
What we don’t know: It was unclear how many traveling fans would still be able to attend the game amid the decision to postpone it by a day. Ticket prices online plummeted in some cases to less than $25 as fans with plans to depart on Thursday tried to unload them.
What’s next: The game, originally scheduled for 7:45 p.m. CST at the 70,000-seat Superdome on Wednesday, will now be held at 3 p.m. local time on Thursday.
Conclusion:
The FBI has confirmed that the attack on Bourbon Street was a terrorist act, and that the suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, acted alone. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking more information from anyone who knew Jabbar or witnessed the attack.
FAQs:
* What was the motive behind the attack?
+ The FBI is still investigating the motive behind the attack, but it is believed to be a terrorist act inspired by the Islamic State group.
* How many people were killed in the attack?
+ 14 people were killed in the attack, down from the initial report of 15.
* What was the extent of the damage caused by the attack?
+ The attack caused significant damage to the area, including damage to buildings and infrastructure.
* What is the current status of the investigation?
+ The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking more information from anyone who knew Jabbar or witnessed the attack.
* What is being done to prevent similar attacks in the future?
+ Authorities are taking steps to enhance security measures in the area, including increasing police presence and improving surveillance.
