Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: A horrific incident unfolded in New Orleans’ French Quarter during New Year celebrations as a US Army veteran ploughed a pick-up truck into a crowd, killing 15 people and injuring dozens. Identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the 42-year-old attacker was killed during a gunfire exchange with law enforcement. The FBI has labeled the event an act of terrorism, citing evidence of potential ISIS connections.
Key Developments in the Incident
1.Attack Details:
Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described Jabbar as “hell-bent on carnage,” aiming to maximize casualties during the crowded celebrations in the French Quarter, a popular New Orleans destination.
2.FBI Investigation:
Authorities found an ISIS flag in the attacker’s vehicle. The FBI is investigating potential affiliations and stated that Jabbar might not have acted alone.
3.Suspect’s Background:
Jabbar, a Texas resident and former Army IT specialist, served in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010. Despite a troubled financial history and two minor criminal offenses, he raised no prior security flags.
4.President’s Response:
President Joe Biden condemned the violence, pledging zero tolerance for attacks on American communities. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump connected the incident to illegal immigration, though the suspect was a US citizen.
5.Eyewitness Accounts:
Witnesses likened the scene to a “war zone,” describing bodies being flung into the air and blood-covered streets. Zion Parsons, a survivor, called it “like a movie,” emphasizing the chaos.
6.International Reactions:
Global leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, extended condolences and called for justice.
Las Vegas Tesla Explosion Connection
In a separate incident, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing one and injuring seven. Elon Musk speculated a possible link between the two attacks, as both vehicles were rented through the same platform, Turo. However, the FBI has not confirmed any connections, emphasizing that the Las Vegas blast appears to be an isolated incident.
Ongoing Investigations
Both incidents are under thorough investigation, with authorities focusing on uncovering potential links between the New Orleans tragedy and the Las Vegas explosion. Enhanced security measures are being deployed across major US cities to prevent further incidents.
