Federal investigators have confirmed that the death toll in Tuesday's New Year's Eve attack in New Orleans has risen to 15, as evidence emerges of the perpetrator's apparent ties to ISIS through social media posts made hours before the deadly rampage.
The suspect was identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a Texas-born American citizen with an extensive military background, including recent service in the reserves. Federal agents recovered an ISIS flag and multiple explosive devices from Jabbar's vehicle, with additional explosives discovered in the vicinity.
Video: Scene of the attack / Credit: Social media
"Our nation grieves with you," President Joe Biden said after the attack. "We're going to stand with you as you mourn and as you heal."
He commended security forces for their swift response in preventing further casualties and announced the mobilization of key federal agencies to spearhead what he described as an intensive investigation into the attack.
Biden emphasized the administration's commitment to transparency, stating that verified information would be shared with the public as it becomes available. He also pledged federal support for local law enforcement to expedite the investigation and ensure public safety.
In a separate development, federal authorities are investigating the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck near the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. Details regarding this incident were not available at the time of publication.
