The FBI has remained silent on whether or not it’s going to fireplace or self-discipline the agent who first of all instructed the media and public that the stunning New Yr’s Day assault in New Orleans was once “no longer a terrorist tournament,” ahead of the company briefly backtracked and reported the assault was once in truth beneath investigation as a fear incident.
Fox Information Virtual reached out to the FBI’s press place of business and press secretary on Thursday and Friday, inquiring whether or not New Orleans box place of business FBI Assistant Particular Agent in Fee Alethea Duncan would face termination or disciplinary motion over her preliminary declare the assault was once no longer attached to terrorism, however didn’t obtain replies. Fox Virtual often known as the FBI press place of business on Friday morning however may just no longer go away a message in regards to the inquiry because the voicemail field was once complete.
After chaos spread out on Bourbon Side road early Wednesday morning as New Yr’s revelers celebrated the vacation, Duncan spoke all through a press convention, stating the assault was once no longer attached to terrorism.
“We will be taking on the investigative lead for this tournament. This is not a terrorist event,” Duncan stated all through the presser.
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FBI Particular Agent Aletha Duncan tells the general public in a press convention that the assault in New Orleans was once no longer associated with terrorism. (Reuters)
All through that very same press convention, alternatively, the mayor of New Orleans instructed the media and public that the town did in truth endure a fear assault.
“Know that the city of New Orleans was once impacted by way of a terrorist assault. It is all nonetheless beneath investigation,” Mayor LaToya Cantrell, a Democrat who has served within the function since 2018, stated on the presser.
On Thursday, the FBI replied to Fox Virtual’s request for remark relating to criticisms surrounding Duncan’s preliminary evaluate that the assault was once no longer attached to terrorism, detailing to Fox Virtual that, at the day of the assault, the FBI released three different statements that every one stated that the FBI was once investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.
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“This morning, a person drove a automotive right into a crowd of folks on Bourbon Side road in New Orleans, killing plenty of folks and injuring dozens of others. The topic then engaged with native regulation enforcement and is now deceased. The FBI is the lead investigative company, and we’re operating with our companions to analyze this as an act of terrorism,” the FBI stated in probably the most statements supplied to Fox Virtual.
Duncan additionally stated in next press meetings that the assault is being investigated as an act of terror.
The FBI showed this week that the suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, had an ISIS flag in his truck on the time of the assault. The FBI added Thursday that Jabbar were “impressed” by way of ISIS however that they have got no longer discovered any proof that he was once directed by way of ISIS to hold out the rampage.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry speaks to the media all through a press convention on Jan. 1, 2025 in New Orleans. (Photograph by way of Chris Graythen/Getty Photographs)
Jabbar, a 42-year-old Military veteran from Texas, was once killed after exchanging gunfire with police after plowing a truck via crowds of folks.
Conservative lawmakers, Trump allies and electorate have slammed the FBI for its dealing with of the investigation, together with Republican Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn, arguing that the FBI has put a heightened center of attention on DEI practices reasonably than preventing crime.
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“The FBI has a no-fail challenge. There is not any room for error. After they fail, American citizens die. It is a necessity that Kash Patel will get showed ASAP,” a source close to President-elect Donald Trump added in grievance to Fox Information Virtual on Thursday morning.
