FBI Confirms New Orleans Truck Attacker Acted Alone in Terrorist Attack/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The FBI confirmed that the New Orleans truck attacker acted alone in what they have classified as a terrorist act inspired by the Islamic State group. The attack killed 15 and injured 30 on New Year’s Day. Bourbon Street is set to reopen ahead of the Sugar Bowl, while investigations into potential links to a separate Las Vegas incident continue.
New Orleans Truck Attack: Latest Updates
Key Developments
- Lone Attacker: The FBI identified 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar as the sole perpetrator.
- ISIS Inspiration: Jabbar posted videos pledging support to the Islamic State group hours before the attack.
- Fatalities and Injuries: The attack claimed 15 lives and left 30 injured.
Response and Reactions
- Bourbon Street Reopening: Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced that the area would reopen before the Sugar Bowl.
- Papal Condolences: Pope Francis sent prayers for victims and their families.
- Presidential Comment: President Joe Biden emphasized ongoing FBI investigations into potential connections between this attack and a Las Vegas explosion.
Unrelated Incidents
- Las Vegas Cybertruck Explosion: Authorities do not believe there is a link between the New Orleans attack and the Cybertruck explosion outside Trump’s Las Vegas hotel.
FBI Confirms New Orleans Truck Attacker Acted Alone in Terrorist Attack
Deep Look
The Attack
The New Orleans truck attack unfolded on Bourbon Street in the early hours of New Year’s Day. Crowds of revelers gathered in the French Quarter were struck by a pickup truck driven by Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran with prior ties to Fort Bragg. He was killed in a shootout with police shortly after the attack.
Jabbar had posted inflammatory videos online, aligning himself with ISIS and expressing a desire to commit violence. The FBI also recovered a black ISIS flag from the truck.
Human Toll
Among the victims:
- Nikyra Dedeaux, 18, a future nurse, described as a caring and responsible family member.
- Reggie Hunter, 37, a father of two celebrating the New Year with family.
- Nicole Perez, a single mother recently promoted to manager at a local deli, working to improve her son’s life.
Security and Reassurance
Mayor LaToya Cantrell expressed confidence in reopening Bourbon Street ahead of the Sugar Bowl, citing resilience and public safety measures. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry assured residents that the Superdome is secure and encouraged people to attend the rescheduled football game.
Ongoing Investigations
The FBI is working to determine the scope of Jabbar’s connections to ISIS. Despite initial concerns, there is no evidence linking this attack to the Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas. That incident involved a separate U.S. Army soldier who also had ties to Fort Bragg but no apparent overlap with Jabbar.
Global Reactions
World leaders, including Pope Francis and Italian President Sergio Mattarella, extended condolences and reaffirmed commitments to combating terrorism.
Takeaways
- FBI Classification: The attack has been declared an act of terrorism, with Jabbar acting alone.
- Human Impact: Families and survivors are left devastated, underscoring the tragedy’s toll.
- Public Safety: Authorities emphasize resilience and heightened security as New Orleans moves forward.
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