Possible Military Connection Between Suspects in New Orleans Attack and Cybertruck Blast
Authorities are investigating a possible military connection between the New Orleans car-ramming suspect and the individual who perished after a Tesla Cybertruck explosion occurred outside Las Vegas’ Trump International Hotel on New Year’s Day. This potential link is currently under scrutiny by law enforcement sources, as reported by NBC News.
Investigative Threads
On the day following the New Year, officials were exploring various leads, including the connection between the two incidents. A man drove a pick-up truck adorned with an ISIS flag into New Orleans’ bustling Bourbon Street, resulting in the tragic loss of 15 lives and injuring over 30 individuals. The FBI has classified this event as a terrorist act, suggesting the involvement of multiple perpetrators. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has confirmed this information.
Later that day, the explosion near Trump towers in Las Vegas heightened security measures in New York and Chicago. This incident has prompted questions about a possible correlation with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a key advisor to President-elect Donald Trump. President Joe Biden has acknowledged the ongoing investigations by law enforcement and the intelligence community to uncover any potential connections between these events.
Military Background
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the New Orleans suspect, was an Army veteran, Texas resident, and U.S. national. Jabbar had served in the military’s human resources and information technology departments from 2006 to 2020, with a deployment to Afghanistan in 2009. The suspect in the Las Vegas blast also had prior military experience, although details have not been disclosed, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Both vehicles involved were rented from Turo, prompting officials to explore this avenue for possible connections. Turo has pledged full cooperation with law enforcement to aid in the investigation process.
Unfolding Tragedy in New Orleans
In the heart of the French Quarter, New Orleans’ Bourbon Street transformed from a vibrant party destination to a scene of tragedy. Witnesses and social media accounts described a horrific sight as a truck plowed through pedestrians, leaving behind a trail of devastation. Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick remarked on the driver’s intent to cause harm, creating chaos and destruction.
As the community mourned the victims, questions arose about the lack of protective barriers in place on Bourbon Street. Mayor LaToya Cantrell explained that the bollards were still under construction, leaving pedestrians vulnerable to such an attack. The completion of this safety project was anticipated before the upcoming Super Bowl in February.
The investigation has also extended to Houston, where authorities conducted a thorough search involving various law enforcement agencies. No arrests have been made as of the latest update from the FBI Houston.
Continuing Developments
Authorities suspect that explosive devices linked to the New Orleans attack were assembled at an Airbnb in the city. The presence of potential improvised explosive devices in the truck and the French Quarter has raised concerns about further threats.
Despite the tragedy, life in New Orleans moves forward, with the Sugar Bowl college football game set to proceed as scheduled at the Superdome. The community remains resilient in the face of adversity, standing united in the wake of these distressing events.
This story was originally reported on NBCNews.com. For more updates and insights, visit NBC News for the latest developments on this evolving situation.
