The FBI announced on Thursday that they now believe the suspect in the New Orleans terror attack acted alone, despite initial considerations of a possible link to the Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside President-elect Trump's Las Vegas hotel.
During a press conference, FBI Deputy Assistant Director of the Counterterrorism Division Christopher Raia stated that there is no definitive link between the New Orleans attack and the incident in Las Vegas. Investigators had been exploring a potential military connection between the New Orleans suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, and the Las Vegas suspect, identified as Matthew Livelsberger.
However, the FBI's updated assessment is supported by a U.S. defense official who stated that there is no evidence of a connection between the two incidents based on their military service records. Both Jabbar and Livelsberger served at Fort Liberty in North Carolina but at different times.
Despite previous claims by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill of Jabbar working with accomplices, the FBI now believes he acted alone in the attack. Jabbar, who had posted videos expressing allegiance to the Islamic State, rented a truck in Houston before driving to New Orleans where he crashed into a crowd of New Year's revelers.
Authorities found guns and improvised explosive devices in Jabbar's vehicle and are conducting searches at various locations connected to him. Relatives reported his erratic behavior in recent months, and investigations are ongoing to determine when and how he became radicalized.
President-elect Trump has called on the CIA to assist in the investigation, criticizing the current administration's handling of the situation. The FBI is also conducting sweeps in Las Vegas and Denver in relation to the Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside Trump Hotel. The Sugar Bowl was postponed following the New Orleans attack, with some officials calling for further delays.