Crime
Elle Eisele and Steele Idelson injured in New Orleans car-ramming attack
The driver of a pickup truck, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, deliberately plowed into crowds, killing 15 people and injuring dozens.
Two college students have been identified as among the injured in the New Orleans car-ramming attack on New Year’s Day, which left 15 people dead and dozens more wounded.
The Canterbury School in Fort Myers, Florida, confirmed that the two young women, Elle Eisele and Steele Idelson, both graduated from the school in 2023.
The families of Eisele and Idelson released a joint statement expressing their gratitude for the support they have received in the wake of the tragedy:
“The Eisele and Idelson families are deeply grateful for the outpouring of thoughts, prayers, and offers of support for our daughters following the tragic attack in New Orleans. We are especially thankful for the exceptional care and compassion they are receiving at University Medical Center.
“We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the first responders, whose swift actions may have saved our daughters’ lives. To everyone who has reached out with love and support, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
While details about the extent of their injuries have not been disclosed, both young women are reportedly receiving treatment at University Medical Center in New Orleans, which has been at the forefront of providing care for victims of the attack.
The New Orleans terror attack occurred early on January 1, 2025, during New Year’s and Sugar Bowl celebrations on Bourbon Street.
The driver of a pickup truck, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, deliberately plowed into crowds, killing 15 people and injuring dozens. Jabbar then exited the vehicle and opened fire on police before being fatally shot.
Investigators later discovered an ISIS flag and potential explosive devices inside the vehicle.
The attack has drawn national and international attention, with the FBI leading the investigation and authorities working to uncover possible accomplices.
The Canterbury School has expressed solidarity with the Eisele and Idelson families. In a statement shared with the school community, officials said:
“Our hearts are with Elle, Steele, their families, and all those impacted by this senseless tragedy. We are committed to supporting them in every way possible as they navigate this difficult time.”
The broader Fort Myers community has rallied around the families, with many offering support and organizing efforts to aid in their recovery.
The Eisele and Idelson families have requested privacy as their daughters focus on healing but have expressed deep appreciation for the compassion and care shown to them.
Community members are encouraged to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.
This tragedy underscores the resilience of the victims and their families and highlights the critical work of first responders and medical teams in the wake of such events.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.