Death Toll in Orleans Incident Rises to 15, IS Involvement Confirmed - President Biden

Death Toll in Orleans Incident Rises to 15, IS Involvement Confirmed - President Biden

At least 15 people were killed and around 30 injured in a rampage by a pickup truck driver in New Orleans' famous French Quarter on New Year's Day. The FBI has identified the incident as a terrorist attack.

On Tuesday night in New Orleans, President Joe Biden stated, "The attacker posted a video on social media claiming to have been inspired by the Islamic State (IS) and expressing a desire to kill."

Police revealed that the attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a former U.S. Army veteran and a resident of Texas, drove a rented pickup truck, breached a police barricade, and struck the crowd. He was later shot dead by the police.

New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the incident as "not just a terrorist attack but an act of pure evil."

What Happened?

• The pickup truck was seen carrying the IS flag during the attack.
• Weapons and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered from the vehicle.
• CCTV footage reportedly captured three men and a woman placing a bomb at the scene, raising suspicions about their involvement.

Eyewitness Accounts

Zion Parsons, an 18-year-old from Gulfport, Mississippi, stated, "The truck was speeding like in a movie scene, throwing people into the air." His friend, Nikyra Dedeaux, was among those killed.

Security Lapses

Barriers meant to ensure public safety were under repair ahead of the Super Bowl, which allowed the attacker to exploit the gap in security.

Progress in the Investigation

The FBI suspects Jabbar did not act alone. Bombs found at the scene were designed for remote detonation, and investigators are actively searching for accomplices.

President Biden's Statement

At the White House, President Biden condemned the attack, stating, "This is a heinous act of terrorism. Those who commit such atrocities stand against humanity."

Two injured police officers are currently in stable condition at the hospital. Meanwhile, the college football playoff game scheduled at the Superdome has been postponed to Thursday.

The FBI has assured that the investigation is ongoing and those responsible will be brought to justice promptly.