FBI Conducts Search at Houston Site Tied to New Orleans Assault
“Currently, there is no risk to residents in the vicinity,” states the bureau.
On Thursday, the FBI announced it had conducted a search at a site in Houston believed to be linked to the suspected terrorist incident in New Orleans on New Year’s Day that resulted in a minimum of 15 fatalities.
Just a day prior, the FBI designated Shamsud-Din Jabbar from Texas as the individual responsible for the attack. Jabbar was killed in a shootout with law enforcement after he drove a truck into a crowd of New Year’s celebrants on the early morning of January 1, then exited the vehicle and opened fire at officers, as per official reports.
“Currently, there is no risk to residents in the vicinity,” stated the FBI, mentioning that due to the ongoing investigation, they were unable to disclose further information regarding the search.
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The FBI has advised the public to steer clear of the area, while implementing temporary flight restrictions.
Alethea Duncan, the FBI special agent in New Orleans, stated at a news briefing that it remains unclear if Jabbar, a U.S. citizen, acted independently. She urged the public to come forward with any information regarding the suspect, if available.
On Wednesday night, President Joe Biden remarked in his address regarding the incident that “no one should rush to conclusions” about the attack, indicating he has instructed law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation.
“Law enforcement and the intelligence community are also exploring this angle, including any potential links to the New Orleans attack,” Biden stated. “As of now, there’s no new information to share.”
During the New Orleans assault, the driver reportedly circumvented a police blockade and drove into a crowd on Bourbon Street around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday, as individuals gathered to welcome the new year. In addition to the 15 fatalities and approximately 30 injuries, two police officers who were involved in the shootout with the suspect are now in stable condition, officials confirmed.
Authorities have yet to disclose the identities of the 15 individuals who lost their lives in the New Year’s Day truck incident in New Orleans.
The FBI also reported that possible explosive devices were located in the French Quarter together with an ISIS flag attached to the truck driven by Jabbar. Duncan later confirmed that the devices had been safely neutralized.
This report was contributed by The Associated Press.
