In a significant development, authorities are examining a potential link between two recent and alarming incidents: a deadly attack in New Orleans and a Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas. This investigation is ongoing, following a violent New Year’s Day event in which 15 individuals lost their lives when a pickup truck carrying an ISIS flag drove into crowds on Bourbon Street, New Orleans.
The ongoing investigation is centered on a possible military connection between the New Orleans car-ramming suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, and the unidentified individual involved in the Las Vegas explosion. Both are reported to have military backgrounds, information confirmed by two law enforcement sources familiar with the details. This angle is one of many being explored to understand the motive and orchestration behind these tragic events.
The New Orleans incident occurred in the early hours of New Year’s Day, as revelers crowded the famous Bourbon Street. At approximately 3:15 a.m., chaos unfolded when a truck violently plowed through the street, leaving a grisly scene in its wake. Eyewitness accounts and social media footage depicted the aftermath with bloodied victims scattered on the road. Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick stated that the driver’s intent was evidently to maximize devastation and harm.
FBI officials are treating the New Orleans attack as an act of terrorism. Investigative efforts are being directed by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Louisiana’s Attorney General Liz Murrill, who noted the suspected involvement of multiple individuals. Concurrently, heightened security measures were put in place around Trump towers in New York and Chicago following the Las Vegas incident.
The suspect in New Orleans, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was a U.S. national and a veteran with extensive military experience, including service in Afghanistan. Following the attack, he died in a gunfight with police. In a related inquiry, officials are scrutinizing whether the explosive devices used in the New Orleans attack were manufactured at a rented Airbnb in the city.
Additional investigations have expanded to Texas, where a site connected to Jabbar is under scrutiny. A coordinated operation involving the FBI, bomb squads, and counterterrorism units is underway in Houston. Authorities discovered a potential improvised explosive device in the truck used in the attack, as well as other devices in the French Quarter.
The vehicles used in both incidents were rented from Turo, leading investigators to probe a possible connection there as well. Turo has confirmed its active collaboration with law enforcement during this investigation.
President Joe Biden has acknowledged the federal investigation, stating that law enforcement and intelligence agencies are actively probing the potential links between the two occurrences.
Meanwhile, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell addressed questions regarding pedestrian safety measures, noting that ongoing construction was the reason for absent bollards on the streets. The completion of this safety project is anticipated before the city hosts the upcoming Super Bowl.
As investigations proceed, authorities are piecing together details from both the New Orleans and Las Vegas incidents to determine any potential connections. With several law enforcement agencies involved, the efforts reflect the seriousness with which these events are being treated. The community remains vigilant, as officials work toward ensuring safety and justice in the aftermath of these tragic occurrences.
Source: Nbcmiami
