NEW YORK, (TDI): U.S. authorities are investigating potential links between two fatal incidents that occurred on New Year’s Day: a truck assault in New Orleans and an explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.
President Joe Biden confirmed the investigations during public remarks on Thursday.
The explosion in Las Vegas, caused by a Tesla Cybertruck catching fire and detonating in the hotel’s valet area, killed one person, injured seven, and prompted a building evacuation.
This incident occurred hours after a truck attack in New Orleans’ French Quarter that claimed 15 lives and injured 35 others.
President Biden stated, “Law enforcement and the intelligence community are investigating these incidents, including any possible connection between them. So far, no evidence has linked the two events.”
New Orleans Attack: A ‘Terrorist Act’
The FBI has identified the New Orleans attack as a terrorist act. The suspect, Shamsud Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen and Army veteran, was killed in a shootout with police after driving a rented Ford F-150 into a crowd.
Jabbar had an ISIS flag in his vehicle, and explosives were discovered both inside his truck and nearby.
FBI officials described Jabbar as a terrorist inspired by ISIS, citing videos he posted online before the attack. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick noted, “He was hellbent on creating the carnage and damage that he did.”
Hours later, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. While authorities initially deemed it an isolated incident, they are investigating potential connections to the New Orleans attack.
Both vehicles involved in the incidents were rented through the car-sharing app Turo.
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A Turo spokesperson said, “We are cooperating with law enforcement. Neither renter had a criminal background that flagged them as a security threat.”
Manhunt and Ongoing Investigation
The FBI is conducting search operations across multiple states, with authorities suspecting that Jabbar may have had accomplices. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry declared, “We’re hunting some bad people down.”
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In New Orleans’ French Quarter, a neighborhood famous for its celebrations, the attack turned revelry into chaos. Witnesses described scenes of blood, debris, and panic.
Context and Fallout
The New Orleans attack came hours before the city’s annual Sugar Bowl, which was delayed due to the tragedy. The city is also preparing to host the Super Bowl next month, adding to concerns about public safety.
Authorities are continuing their investigations to determine whether the two incidents are connected and to address the broader implications for national security.
