Crime
No definitive link found between New Orleans and Las Vegas attacks, FBI says
The FBI has announced that no definitive connection has been established between the recent attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas, though investigations remain ongoing.
Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia of the FBI Counterterrorism Division addressed the matter during a press conference on Thursday. “
As you know, there’s also an ongoing FBI investigation in Las Vegas. We are following all potential leads and not ruling anything out. However, at this point, there is no definitive link between the attack here in New Orleans and the one in Las Vegas,” Raia stated. He emphasized that it is still early in the investigation, and findings may evolve as new evidence emerges.
The Las Vegas incident involved a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside a Trump Hotel on New Year’s Day.
The vehicle, rented by a U.S. Special Forces soldier assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group, detonated with a combination of fireworks, gas tanks, and camping fuel in its bed. The driver, who activated the device, was killed in the blast, and seven bystanders were injured.
Law enforcement officials are investigating whether the explosion constitutes an act of terrorism. The high-profile nature of the Tesla vehicle and its location near a hotel bearing Donald Trump’s name has heightened scrutiny.
In New Orleans, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, has been identified as the suspect in the deadly truck attack on Bourbon Street.
The FBI now believes Jabbar acted alone. Deputy Assistant Director Raia stated, “We do not assess at this point that anyone else is involved in this attack except for Shamsud-Din Jabbar.”
This position marks a shift from earlier statements by Assistant Special Agent Alethea Duncan, who had suggested that Jabbar might not have acted alone.
The FBI confirmed Thursday that 14 people were killed in the terror attack in New Orleans.
The attacker is also dead. The New Orleans coroner previously announced 15 deaths but did not provide any identifying information about the decedents.
Investigators initially explored the possibility that others were responsible for placing improvised explosive devices at the scene, but those leads have not yielded evidence of accomplices.
Raia reiterated during a news conference that the New Orleans attack was an act of terrorism. “This was premeditated and an evil act,” he declared. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry added that over 1,000 law enforcement agents have been analyzing surveillance footage, conducting interviews, and tracking down leads.
To support investigative efforts, Gov. Landry issued an emergency declaration aimed at streamlining collaboration between state, local, and federal authorities.
While the FBI has not uncovered evidence linking the two attacks, investigations remain active. Officials continue to examine potential ties between Jabbar and extremist ideologies, as well as the broader implications of these incidents on national security.
Law enforcement agencies urge the public to report any relevant information as efforts to piece together the motives and connections behind these tragic events continue.
Crime
Ohio Shooting Leaves Suspect and 4-Year-Old Girl Dead, Officer Injured
During the exchange of gunfire, 4-year-old Rosalie Carey, who was inside a nearby business, was tragically struck by a stray bullet.
COLUMBIANA COUNTY, OH – A tragic shooting incident in Calcutta on Wednesday afternoon resulted in the deaths of a suspect and a 4-year-old girl, while a police officer remains hospitalized after undergoing surgery.
According to St. Clair Township Police Chief Brian McKenzie, officers responded around 2 p.m. to reports of a suicidal male walking down the street with a firearm.
Upon locating the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Joseph Como, officers attempted to make contact.
“Almost immediately, the man pulled a weapon and opened fire on my officers,” McKenzie stated. “Officers returned fire, striking the suspect.”
During the exchange of gunfire, 4-year-old Rosalie Carey, who was inside a nearby business, was tragically struck by a stray bullet.
She was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to her injuries later in the evening, authorities confirmed.
Como was also fatally wounded during the shootout and pronounced dead at the scene.
One St. Clair Township police officer Dakota Wetzel sustained gunshot wounds and was airlifted to a hospital in Pittsburgh, where he underwent emergency surgery.
Chief McKenzie reported that the officer is currently in stable condition and is receiving medical care.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our injured officer and the family of the young girl whose life was tragically lost,” McKenzie said. “Right now, we are working diligently to gather all the facts and keep the community informed.”
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has assumed responsibility for the case and is conducting a thorough review of the incident. Counselors have been made available to support the officers involved.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information regarding the incident to contact the St. Clair Township Police Department.