ABC News - LIVE: Federal officials provide update on New Orleans terror attack
The press conference discusses the aftermath of a terrorist attack on Bourbon Street, focusing on the victims and the ongoing investigation. Authorities emphasize their commitment to supporting the victims' families and ensuring public safety. The FBI and local law enforcement are collaborating to investigate the attack, which was carried out by a lone actor, Shamid Den Jabar. The investigation includes examining Jabar's travel history, potential international connections, and the materials used in the attack. Security measures are being reviewed and enhanced, especially in preparation for upcoming major events in New Orleans. The community and public are encouraged to provide any information that could aid the investigation.
Key Points:
- Authorities are focused on supporting victims' families and ensuring public safety.
- The attack was carried out by a lone actor, Shamid Den Jabar, with no current evidence of accomplices.
- The investigation includes examining Jabar's travel history and potential international connections.
- Security measures in New Orleans are being reviewed and enhanced for upcoming events.
- Public cooperation is crucial, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
Details:
1. 🌟 Celebrating Lives: Tributes to the Victims
- Kareem was universally admired for his selfless nature, consistently prioritizing others above himself, which deeply influenced those around him.
- Tiger Bash, a 27-year-old, was not only a former Princeton football player but also a successful professional at Seaport Global in capital markets, symbolizing achievement and dedication.
- Tiger Bash's legacy continues to inspire his family, particularly his brother, who is determined to carry forward Tiger's spirit by excelling in his own right and spreading Tiger's influence to the next generation.
2. 🕊️ Mourning and Remembrance: Statewide Observances
- Flags ordered at half-staff statewide from sunrise to sunset beginning January 2nd to honor victims.
- Governor has personally contacted each victim's family to ensure support and answer any unresolved questions.
- Executive order issued declaring a period of mourning with flags at half-staff on specified days.
- A moment of silence initiated in all public schools starting Monday as called by the superintendent of education.
- Families of victims have been offered counseling services and financial assistance.
- Public response has been overwhelmingly supportive, with many community-led memorials organized.
- The moment of silence in schools has been reported to foster a sense of unity and reflection among students.
3. 🇺🇸 Honoring the Fallen: Flags and Silence Across Louisiana
- A series of remembrance events are scheduled from January 6th to January 23rd, each day dedicated to a different victim, highlighting the community's commitment to honor their memory.
- Multiple organizations including the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office, New Orleans Police Department, FBI Special Victims Unit, and the District Attorney's Office are collaborating to provide answers and support to victims' families, demonstrating a united effort for justice and healing.
- Initiatives include facilitating the transportation of deceased family members and providing a Louisiana state police escort to the funeral home, ensuring that logistical needs of the families are met.
- Efforts are being made to expedite support through the Crime Victims Reparation Board, indicating a focus on alleviating financial burdens for families.
- A national call for prayer involving pastors, clergy, and parishioners aims to unite communities in support of victims and their families, fostering a sense of solidarity and compassion.
- There is a strong commitment to ensure that the victims' tragic losses are not forgotten, with ongoing support pledged to their families, affirming the community's dedication to remembrance and assistance.
4. 🔍 FBI's Ongoing Investigation: Uncovering the Attack
4.1. Introduction and Purpose
4.2. Current Terrorism Threats
4.3. Investigation Details, Challenges, and Progress
5. 🌐 Counterterrorism Insights: Understanding Global Threats
5.1. FBI Resources and Personnel Deployment
5.2. Details of Investigation and International Coordination
6. 🔎 Tracking Jabar: Piecing Together the Attacker's Actions
6.1. Jabar's Preliminary Actions and Presence in New Orleans
6.2. Timeline of Jabar's Actions Leading Up to the Attack
6.3. Investigation and Aftermath
7. 💣 Explosive Analysis: Details of Devices and Fire
- An open flame ignited in a linen closet area was determined to be the origin of a fire, aimed at destroying the house to hide evidence of crimes. This shows a deliberate attempt at arson with criminal intent.
- Gasoline served as an accelerant, but the fire self-extinguished due to oxygen depletion before reaching other accelerants. This implies a lack of planning or understanding of fire dynamics by the perpetrator.
- Prompt detection of smoke by neighbors and calling 911 allowed the fire department to respond quickly, preventing extensive damage. This highlights the effectiveness of community vigilance in emergency response.
- Recovered firearms include a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a .308 caliber semi-automatic rifle, both traced back to a private sale in Texas. This suggests a network or method of acquiring firearms outside formal channels.
- Silencers found were privately made and are under review by the Firearms Ammunition Technology Division for classification. This raises concerns about the accessibility and manufacturing of illegal firearm accessories.
- Explosive materials identified as R-salt, similar to RDX, were recovered, indicating potential for high-impact explosives. This underscores the severity of the threat posed by such materials.
- Jabar attempted to use an electric match to detonate the explosive device, showing inexperience with explosives, which may have prevented a successful detonation and further danger.
8. 🤝 United Support: Community and Federal Aid for Victims
- Federal and local agencies, including the FBI, are focused on supporting victims and their families, working closely with community partners.
- St. Martin's Catholic Church has offered space for professionals to provide in-person services and assist in returning personal items left at the attack scene.
- A Family Assistance Center will operate from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and subsequently from Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, to ensure comprehensive support.
- The City of New Orleans is committed to prioritizing victims, including first responders, businesses, and employees, ensuring they receive necessary services and support.
- Mayor Latoya Cantrell highlighted the collaboration with the White House and President Joe Biden for victim services and emphasized public safety in preparation for major events.
- The city has requested a tactical expert to map out target hardening measures, and there is ongoing advocacy to upgrade New Orleans' rating to improve emergency response.
- A fund has been set up by the Greater New Orleans Foundation to assist victims, with resources accessible at gno.org.
- The city is actively preparing for the Super Bowl and other major events, focusing on enhancing public safety measures.