President Joe Biden revealed that the suspect who drove a truck into a crowd in New Orleans on Wednesday morning allegedly posted videos linked to the terrorist group ISIS on social media just hours before the incident.
Newsweek has not been able to locate these videos on social media, and they have not been publicly released.
Why It Matters
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, has been identified as the suspect in the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street, which left at least 15 people dead and 30 others injured early Wednesday morning.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is treating the incident as a potential act of terrorism, focusing on whether it was coordinated by or inspired by a foreign terrorist organization.
“Mere hours before the attack, he reportedly posted videos on social media expressing inspiration from ISIS and a desire to kill,” President Biden stated. “An ISIS flag was also discovered in the vehicle he rented to carry out the attack.”
What To Know
The New Orleans attack took place around 4:15 a.m. EST in the French Quarter, a hub of New Year’s Eve celebrations and one of the city’s busiest areas. Fifteen people were killed, and 30 others were injured. Four of the deceased victims have been identified: Reggie Hunter, Nikyra Dedeaux, Tiger Bech, and Nicole Perez.
“I grieve with you,” President Biden said during a press conference. “Our nation grieves with you. We will stand by you as you mourn and as you heal in the weeks to come.”
The New Orleans Police Department reported that the suspect fired at officers after his vehicle came to a stop. Biden commended law enforcement for their swift action, stating, “They stopped the attacker in his tracks before he could harm more people.”
The suspect was driving a rented Ford pickup truck, obtained through the Turo app. According to the FBI, the vehicle contained an ISIS flag, weapons, and potential improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Two additional IEDs were discovered earlier in the day.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the suspect and a Houston resident, had been staying at an Airbnb about 1.5 miles from the attack site. The property burned down earlier Wednesday under unclear circumstances.
Speaking from Camp David, Biden confirmed that Jabbar had served in the U.S. Army on active duty for several years and later in the Army Reserves until a few years ago.
“The situation remains highly fluid, and the investigation is still in its early stages,” President Biden stated. “Law enforcement and intelligence agencies are actively working to uncover any potential connections, associations, or co-conspirators. At this time, there are no additional updates to share. The investigation is ongoing, and it’s important not to rush to conclusions.”
What People Are Saying
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “A horrific act of violence occurred on Bourbon Street earlier this morning. Sharon and I are praying for all the victims and first responders on the scene. I urge everyone to avoid the area.”
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick called the incident, “Not just an act of terrorism—this is pure evil.”
Senator John Kennedy, a Louisiana Republican, spoke at a press conference: “Once the FBI has completed its investigation, working alongside state police, Homeland Security, and the City of New Orleans, they will provide a full account of what happened. I can promise you that—or I’ll raise fresh hell.”
What’s Next
The FBI is leading the investigation into the New Orleans attack. Authorities are urging anyone with information to assist by contacting the FBI’s New Orleans Bureau at (504) 816-3000 or by emailing tips@fbi.gov.
President Biden also mentioned that investigators are exploring whether there is any connection between the New Orleans attack and the Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.