Authorities have ramped up their investigation into the motives of a US Army veteran who, displaying an Islamic State flag, drove his truck into a New Year’s crowd in New Orleans, killing at least 15 people.
In preparation for the Sugar Bowl football game, located less than a mile from the site of Wednesday’s attack, officials have significantly increased security measures.
Investigators are focusing on whether Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old US citizen from Texas and former service member in Afghanistan, collaborated with others to plan the attack. They are also exploring potential links to a separate incident in Las Vegas where a Tesla Cybertruck packed with gasoline canisters and large firework mortars exploded.
Among the approximately 30 injured in the New Orleans attack were two police officers. The casualties included a mother recently receiving a job promotion, a visiting student-athlete from New York, and an 18-year-old aspiring nurse from Mississippi.
Authorities are actively searching for evidence of accomplices. The FBI has stated it does not believe Jabbar acted alone. Investigators have secured weapons and potential explosive devices from the scene and have neutralized them safely.
Officials have scheduled a news briefing with the FBI and Louisiana authorities to provide more details on the case. Additionally, President Biden convened a meeting with his homeland security team to assess the situation further.
Read: US Veteran Flying Daesh Flag Drives Truck into Crowd, Kills 15 in New Orleans
The Sugar Bowl was postponed to ensure safety and heightened security is planned for the upcoming NFL Super Bowl on February 9. In anticipation of major forthcoming events, additional security measures are in effect in other US cities, including New York and Washington, D.C.
The discovery of an Islamic State flag at the scene has prompted investigations into possible connections to terrorist organizations. President Biden has condemned the attack as “despicable,” underscoring continued efforts to establish any links between this and other recent violent incidents.
