*We have an update on that horrific New Year’s Day incident that marred New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans. As we reported earlier, a pickup truck was driven into a crowd on Bourbon Street killing at least 10 people. Authorities have upgraded that number to 15 and dozens of injuries.
The FBI has since classified the scenario as an “act of terrorism,” with investigations pointing toward extremist motivations behind the attack.
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, was reportedly killed in a firefight with law enforcement officers after ramming the Ford F-150 Lightning into revelers.
Disturbingly, an ISIS flag was discovered inside Jabbar’s vehicle at the time of the attack, prompting investigators to delve deeper into any potential affiliations with terrorist organizations.
While en route to Louisiana from Texas, Jabbar recorded a series of chilling videos in which he discussed violent intentions, including plans to harm his family.
Scroll to continue reading
Officials have reported that he initially considered gathering his family for a “celebration” to kill them before shifting his focus toward joining ISIS, guided by dreams that he believed compelled him to do so.
As authorities work to piece together Jabbar’s psychological state leading up to the attack, Turo, the vehicle rental platform used to procure the truck involved, confirmed its cooperation with law enforcement.
“We are actively partnering with law enforcement authorities as they investigate both incidents,” a Turo spokesperson stated, emphasizing that they do not believe the renters involved in the deadly attacks in New Orleans or Las Vegas had criminal backgrounds that would mark them as security threats.
Speaking of Las Vegas, the Turo spokesperson was referring to an explosion that occurred at a Trump Hotel, involving a Tesla Cybertruck that allegedly detonated due to fireworks, gas tanks, and camping fuel. Police are exploring whether this detonation might also have connections to terrorism, marking a grim start to the new year filled with chaos and devastation across multiple locations.
The aftermath of the New Orleans attack has left the community shaken, as survivors recount terrifying moments and families mourn their lost loved ones.
Turo conveyed its heartbreak in a statement to CNN, offering prayers to the victims and families affected by the violence.
“We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards in risk management, thanks to our world-class trust and safety technologies and teams that include experienced former law enforcement professionals,” the spokesperson added.
As the investigation unfolds, the FBI continues to probe the ties between the suspect’s actions and extremist ideologies, sending shockwaves through a city known for its vibrant celebrations.
With many questions still unanswered, authorities are under pressure to ensure public safety and prevent future tragedies as they navigate the complicated and tragic aftermath of such attacks.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: The Troubling Background of New Orleans Terror Attack Suspect Shamsud-Din Jabbar + ISIS Links | VIDEO
