President-elect Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, stated in an interview with Fox News’ Tammy Bruce that the New Year’s Day incidents in New Orleans and Las Vegas appeared to be “suicide missions.”
“Both incidents—Las Vegas and New Orleans—involve U.S. citizens with recent U.S. travel,” Homan explained. “It seems neither individual expected to return home, and there are indications of potential ISIS affiliation in both cases.”
Why It Matters
Authorities have identified Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, as the suspect in the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, which left at least 15 people dead and 30 others injured early Wednesday morning.
Later that day in Las Vegas, a Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel claimed the life of the driver and injured seven others. The identity of the suspect involved in the Las Vegas incident has not yet been disclosed.
What To Know
Both incidents are being investigated as acts of terrorism. According to the Associated Press, both vehicles involved were rented through the Turo app.
During a press conference on Wednesday evening regarding the New Orleans attack, President Joe Biden also addressed the Las Vegas incident, stating that law enforcement and intelligence agencies are exploring any potential connections between the two events.
The attack in New Orleans occurred at around 4:15 a.m. EST in the French Quarter, one of the city’s busiest areas, during the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Four victims have been identified by their families: Reggie Hunter, Nikyra Dedeaux, Tiger Bech, and Nicole Perez.
According to the FBI, an ISIS flag, weapons, and a potential IED were discovered in the suspect’s rented truck. Two additional IEDs were found earlier on Wednesday morning. President Joe Biden stated that the suspect had posted videos to social media linking to the terrorist organization ISIS “just hours” before the attack.
President-elect Donald Trump weighed in earlier, asserting that the New Orleans incident validated his stance on criminals “coming into” the United States, although law enforcement confirmed that the suspect was born in the U.S.
“We allowed this to happen. This administration has taken a weak stance on these issues,” Homan said. “Nothing will change tomorrow. This administration has failed to take action against criminal cartels and terrorist organizations or make efforts to secure our southern border. You can’t have national security without border security. I don’t understand why they don’t understand that. It’s common sense.”
In Las Vegas, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded in the valet area of the Trump International Hotel, killing one person and injuring seven others with minor injuries. Police are investigating the explosion as both a potential criminal act and an act of terrorism.
What People Are Saying
Senator John Kennedy, a Republican from Louisiana, at a press conference: “Once the FBI has conducted their investigation, working with state police, Homeland Security, and the City of New Orleans, they will provide answers. I promise you that. Or I’ll raise fresh hell.”
President-elect Donald Trump, on Truth Social: “When I said that the criminals coming into our country are far worse than the ones we have here, Democrats and the Fake News Media constantly refuted it, but it’s turning out to be true.”
Former First Lady Melania Trump, on X: “The violence affecting our communities is deeply troubling. This brutality must end. My thoughts and prayers are with the families enduring such unimaginable grief and loss.”
Jeremy Schwartz, acting FBI Special Agent in Charge for the Las Vegas office, at a news conference: “I know you have many questions.”
What’s Next
The FBI is leading the investigation into the New Orleans attack. Anyone with information that could help is encouraged to contact the FBI’s New Orleans Bureau at (504) 816-3000 or email tips@fbi.gov.
The Las Vegas Police Department is investigating the fire and explosion, with the FBI also involved in the case, as confirmed by Jeremy Schwartz at Wednesday’s news conference.
“The investigation is ongoing, and no one should jump to conclusions,” President Biden said during his press conference on Wednesday.