The FBI is investigating whether the driver who killed 10 and injured dozens in a New Year’s Eve attack in New Orleans’ French Quarter has connections to ISIS.
The suspect, who drove a Ford electric truck into a crowd before exiting and firing a weapon, was killed by police at the scene.
Details Emerge About the Truck
The vehicle, registered to a 42-year-old man in Houston, Texas, had reportedly been rented through Turo and crossed the US-Mexico border just two days before the attack. Authorities have contacted the truck’s owner but have not released further details about the driver or their background.
Explosive Devices Found at Scene
Investigators discovered at least one suspected improvised explosive device at the site of the attack. The FBI is treating the case as a “mass casualty incident” and is working to determine the motive, including whether the suspect had ties to ISIS.
Concerns Over Barricade Setup
Witnesses reported inadequate security measures during the attack. Jimmy Cothran, a bystander, told CNN that sturdy steel barricades were not in place, leaving only lightweight orange barriers. “We thought it was odd,” he said.
President Biden Addresses the Nation
President Joe Biden issued a statement condemning the attack and expressing condolences to the victims’ families. He pledged full federal support for the ongoing investigation.
The incident has left the French Quarter in shock, as authorities work to piece together the events and motivations behind the tragedy.
