Tragedy struck New Orleans on New Year’s Day when a driver plowed a pickup truck into a crowded street, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens.
According to US President Joe Biden, the perpetrator’s social media posts suggested the Islamic State terrorist organization inspired him.
The attack occurred at 3:15 am in an area popular with tourists. Police engaged in a shootout with the driver, who was killed. Two officers were injured.
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din J from Texas, was a US-born citizen and former US Army active-duty member. Investigators found potential explosive devices and an Islamic State flag in the vehicle.
In a separate incident, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing the driver and injuring seven. Authorities are investigating possible links to terrorism.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is exploring connections between the two incidents, as the vehicles involved were rented through the same website. However, no direct link to the Islamic State has been found in the Las Vegas case.
