In the aftermath of two separate violent incidents that occurred in New Orleans and Las Vegas on New Year’s Day, law enforcement officials are searching for answers as communities work toward recovering and healing.
The FBI continues to investigate the Jan. 1 attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas, died in a police shoot-out after he allegedly drove a truck through a crowd of people, killing 14 and injuring at least 35 more on New Year’s Eve.
The FBI stated it is investigating it as a act of terrorism but have determined the suspect acted alone.
The 42-year-old military veteran reportedly rented a truck on Dec. 30 and drove from Houston to New Orleans, posting several videos online proclaiming his support for ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria).
An ISIS flag, weapons and an IED (bomb or improvised explosive device) were reportedly located in the vehicle, according to the FBI. It found other potential IEDs, one near Bourbon and Orleans Street and the second at the intersection of Bourbon and Toulouse Streets, but both devices were rendered safe.
Killed in the attack were an aspiring nurse, a former college football player, a single mother and a father of two, and others. Nikyra Dedeaux, 18, dreamed of becoming a nurse, said her friend Zion Parsons, of Gulfport, Mississippi, according to AP.
He said Ms. Dedeaux was a responsible daughter who helped take care of her siblings. She had a job at a hospital and was set to start college and begin working toward her goal of becoming a registered nurse.
“A truck hit the corner and comes barreling through throwing people like in a movie scene, throwing people into the air,” Mr. Parsons told AP. “It hit her and flung her like at least 30 feet and I was just lucky to be alive.”
Reggie Hunter, 37, a proud father of 12-year-old and 18-month-old sons, had gotten off work and headed to Bourbon Street on a whim to ring in the new year with a cousin, according to his first cousin, Shirell Jackson, reported nola.com.
Mr. Hunter, who had worked as a warehouse manager for the past six years, died from his injuries, and his cousin was among the dozens injured.
Also, reportedly among those killed in the Bourbon Street attack were: Martin “Tiger” Bech, 27; Nicole Perez, 27; Hubert Gauthreaux, 21; Kareem Badawi, 18; Matthew Tenedorio, 25; Drew Dauphin, 26; Terrence “Terry” Kennedy, 63, and Billy DiMaio, 25. The New Orleans coroner has not yet released a list of all those killed.
President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump addressed the tragedy, and condolences were posted on social media. Mr. Biden and his wife were scheduled to travel to New Orleans on Jan. 6 to visit with family members of victims.
According to local media reports, a growing memorial has been erected along Canal Street to honor the 14 people who died. Local NBC affiliate wdsu.com reported that “The New Orleans Police Department, Mayor LaToya Cantrell, and clergy members held a private ceremony for the victims ahead of opening Bourbon Street.”
Student Minister Willie Muhammad of Mosque No. 46 in New Orleans was born and raised in the city. He said people are in shock, are offering condolences and letting family and friends know that they are safe, telling The Final Call, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and the reports of those injured.”
The city is preparing for upcoming major events that will attract millions, including the Super Bowl in February and Marti Gras. The NCAA Sugar Bowl was postponed and played Jan. 2 instead of Jan. 1.
In Nevada, officials are investigating a Tesla Cybertruck explosion at Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, on Jan. 1. Seven people sustained minor injuries.
The subject or person of interest found inside the vehicle with a self-inflicted shot in the head was a highly decorated Army soldier, said FBI officials. Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old Green Beret Operations Sergeant, spent most of his time at Fort Carson, Colorado, and in Germany. He was on approved leave from Germany where he was serving with the 10th Special Forces group.
At a news conference held Jan. 2, Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department stated evidence includes the credit cards used to rent the vehicle; military identification, passport; two tattoos, and tracked movements and photographs.
Investigators also reportedly found semi-automatic weapons and fireworks inside the vehicle. “At this point, there is no known definitive link between the attack here in New Orleans and the one in Las Vegas,” read a Jan. 2 FBI update.
According to NBC News, a motive for the Las Vegas blast has yet to be established.
Both alleged suspects used the Turo app to rent their vehicles, both served at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, but it is questionable whether Mr. Jabbar or Mr. Livelsberger, served in the same unit or during the same years.
They also both served in Afghanistan in 2009, but it is also unknown if they were in the same province, location, or unit, Sherriff McMahill continued.
