Following a brutal car attack in New Orleans on New Year's Eve that left at least 15 dead and dozens injured, the FBI initially stated that the incident was not related to terrorism. However, the agency later backtracked and launched a terrorism investigation allegedly connected to ISIS.
The suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, rammed a truck into crowds on Bourbon Street in New Orleans before opening fire on police with a Glock and a .308 rifle. Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas and an Army veteran, was killed during the altercation.
Law enforcement officials, including the FBI, initially denied any terrorist connection to the attack during a press conference. However, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell contradicted this statement, declaring the incident as a terrorist attack.
Subsequent FBI statements revealed that an ISIS flag was found in the vehicle used in the attack, prompting the agency to investigate the incident as an act of terrorism. The FBI is actively pursuing leads to identify any potential associates of the suspect.
Conservative lawmakers criticized the FBI for its handling of the attack, with Senator Marsha Blackburn calling for the confirmation of Kash Patel as FBI director. The FBI faced further scrutiny for its delayed response to the suspect's residence in Texas.
Former President Donald Trump blamed President Biden's policies for the attack, while Biden mourned the tragedy and praised the resilience of New Orleans. Despite the violence, Biden emphasized that the spirit of the city will endure.
