CBS News - Jan 2: CBS News 24/7, 1pm ET
The FBI has revealed that the New Orleans attack, which resulted in 15 deaths, was carried out by a lone suspect, Shamu Dean Jabar, an Army veteran who acted in support of ISIS. Jabar rented a truck in Houston and drove to New Orleans, where he posted videos pledging allegiance to ISIS before the attack. The city is now preparing to reopen Bourbon Street, with increased security measures in place for upcoming events like the Sugar Bowl. Meanwhile, a separate incident in Las Vegas involved a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside a Trump Hotel, which is being investigated as a possible act of terror. The suspect, Matthew Lisberger, a former Green Beret, rented the truck and was the only casualty in the explosion. The FBI has found no connection between the two incidents, although both suspects served in Afghanistan around the same time. Security measures are being heightened in both cities, and federal agencies are coordinating to ensure public safety during upcoming events.
Key Points:
- The New Orleans attack was confirmed as a terrorist act by a lone suspect, Shamu Dean Jabar, who supported ISIS.
- Bourbon Street is set to reopen with heightened security for the Sugar Bowl and other events.
- A separate Las Vegas incident involved a Tesla explosion, with the suspect identified as Matthew Lisberger, a former Green Beret.
- The FBI found no connection between the New Orleans and Las Vegas incidents, despite similarities in the suspects' military backgrounds.
- Federal and local authorities are increasing security measures in response to these events.
Details:
1. 🚨 New Orleans Terror Attack: Investigation Unfolds
- The terror attack in New Orleans resulted in 15 deaths, including the suspect, Shamu Dean Jabar, a 42-year-old Army veteran, who was killed in a gunfight with police.
- Jabar was identified as acting alone in this confirmed act of terrorism, evidenced by the ISIS flag displayed on his truck.
- He rented an F-150 truck in Houston, Texas, on December 30th, driving to New Orleans by the evening of the 31st, demonstrating a clear plan of action.
- Jabar's premeditated intent was further highlighted by five videos he posted on Facebook supporting ISIS, with timestamps from 1:29 a.m. to 3:02 a.m.
- In these videos, he expressed deliberation over harming his family and friends, ultimately deciding to focus his attack on what he termed a 'war between the Believers and the disbelievers.'
- The sequence of events and the suspect's background suggest a calculated approach, emphasizing the importance of monitoring social media for early warning signs of radicalization.
2. 👮♂️ Community and Security Response in New Orleans
2.1. Immediate Community and Security Response
2.2. Ongoing Efforts to Reopen Bourbon Street
3. 💥 Las Vegas Cybertruck Explosion: Investigation and Details
3.1. Incident Overview: Driving and Crash
3.2. Police Confrontation and Aftermath
4. 🔍 FBI Investigations: No Connection Found
4.1. Incident Overview
4.2. Investigation Details
4.3. Explosive Details
4.4. Current Status and Comparisons
5. 🇺🇸 Political Reactions and Security Measures
- FBI Deputy Assistant Director Chris Rehea confirmed that the Las Vegas incident is unrelated to the Bourbon Street vehicle ramming, which led to 14 deaths and injuries.
- The investigation is in its early stages, focusing on confirming the suspect's identity, Matt Liisberg, through DNA and dental records.
- Search warrants are being executed to gather more information about the suspect and his potential connections to other incidents.
- The suspect, initially thought to have accomplices, acted alone, as per updated FBI reports.
- Hundreds of interviews have been conducted, and five electronic devices were seized from the suspect's residences, including laptops and cell phones, to aid in the investigation.
- Efforts are underway to establish a timeline of the suspect's activities, notably his travel from Houston to New Orleans and social media activity pledging allegiance to ISIS.
- Current evidence suggests the suspect was inspired by ISIS, though not directly instructed by them.
- Two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found on Bourbon Street, raising initial concerns about accomplices, but the FBI clarified the suspect acted alone.
- Surveillance footage showed bystanders noticing the IEDs, which led to initial questions about accomplices.
6. 🔐 Security Concerns Ahead of Major Events
- Governor Jeff Landry announced the deployment of a thousand officers on the ground in response to security concerns, ensuring a robust presence to deter potential threats.
- A state emergency was declared, allowing for the mobilization of federal and state resources to strengthen security infrastructure and response capabilities.
- A national special security event will be conducted, deploying the largest federal assets, including Secret Service, Homeland Security, ICE, CBP, and FBI, to provide comprehensive security coverage.
- Federal law enforcement is alert to the risk of copycat attacks, influencing security strategies in New Orleans and Las Vegas, with a focus on preventing similar incidents.
- President Joe Biden was briefed in the Situation Room concerning the New Orleans terror attack, with Homeland Security teams providing continuous updates and strategic guidance.
- FBI investigations have ruled out connections between the New Orleans and Las Vegas attacks, confirming the New Orleans attacker acted alone, which refines the threat landscape and response strategies.
- Upcoming major events in Washington DC, including the January 6th electoral certification and the inauguration, are designated as national special security events, necessitating heightened security measures and coordination across multiple agencies to ensure safety and preparedness.