President-elect Donald Trump's response to the tragic New Year's Day attack in New Orleans sparked controversy amid conflicting reports about the suspect's origin.
According to Newsweek, Trump took to Truth Social to assert that the terrorist truck attack that killed 15 and injured at least 30 proved his previous statements about criminals "coming in" to the United States, despite law enforcement confirming the suspect was American-born.
The FBI has identified the perpetrator as Shamsud Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas. Alethea Duncan, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI's New Orleans field office, confirmed Jabbar's citizenship status during a Wednesday afternoon press conference. The suspect was killed in a police confrontation at approximately 3:15 a.m.
Early Reports and Political Response Highlight Communication Challenges
Initial reports from Fox News, citing unnamed federal sources, claimed the attack vehicle had entered the United States through Eagle Pass, Texas, just two days prior. Trump's social media post followed these early reports by eight minutes.
Fox News later revised their reporting, indicating the truck had actually crossed the border on November 16, and the driver's identification did not match the shooter's.
New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick characterized the incident as deliberate, noting that the suspect maneuvered around security barriers despite the presence of over 300 officers. The FBI is investigating the case as an act of terrorism, as stated by President Joe Biden.
The attack has prompted responses from various officials, including Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill, who called for justice and expressed condolences to the victims' families.
Investigation Reveals Complex Details Behind New Year's Attack
FBI investigators are reviewing surveillance footage that allegedly shows three individuals and a woman placing an improvised explosive device in the French Quarter. The incident marks the second holiday season attack involving a vehicle as a weapon, following a similar incident in Magdeburg, Germany, on December 20.
Trump posted on Truth Social stating:
When I said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted by Democrats and the Fake News Media, but it turned out to be true. The crime rate in our country is at a level that nobody has ever seen before. Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department. The Trump Administration will fully support the City of New Orleans as they investigate and recover from this act of pure evil!
Law enforcement agencies continue their investigation, with authorities requesting public assistance and asking people to avoid specific areas of Bourbon Street and surrounding locations.
Unfolding Events Lead To Critical Updates
The FBI's involvement has brought additional resources to the investigation, including specialized units and forensic teams. The rental truck used in the attack has become a key piece of evidence as investigators work to establish the full timeline of events.
Local authorities have established a dedicated hotline for tips and information related to the attack. The FBI's New Orleans Bureau is actively seeking public assistance through multiple channels, including their tip line and email system.
Developing Situation Demands Immediate Action
The New Year's Day attack in New Orleans resulted in 15 deaths and at least 30 injuries when U.S.-born suspect Shamsud Din Jabbar drove a truck into crowds of holiday revelers. The incident, which the FBI is investigating as an act of terrorism, prompted immediate response from law enforcement and political figures, including President-elect Donald Trump and President Joe Biden.
The public is urged to avoid the affected areas while investigation continues, with authorities requesting any relevant information be shared with the FBI's New Orleans Bureau.
