The FBI has faced scrutiny over the handling of initial statements made regarding the New Year's Day attack in New Orleans. The incident, which occurred during celebrations on Bourbon Street, was initially declared by FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan as 'not a terrorist event' during a press conference.
However, conflicting information arose when Mayor LaToya Cantrell stated that the city had indeed experienced a terrorist attack, leading to confusion and questions about the nature of the incident. The FBI later clarified that they were investigating the attack as an act of terrorism.
