Investigation into New Orleans Attack and Las Vegas Explosion
US President Joe Biden has announced that security forces are investigating possible links between the intentional car accident in New Orleans, which resulted in at least 15 deaths, and the explosion of a Tesla vehicle in front of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.
New Orleans Attack
According to President Biden, the attacker was an American citizen born in Texas who served in the US Army for many years and was also in the Armed Forces reserve until a few years ago. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has informed the president that the attacker published videos on social media a few hours before the attack, indicating that he was inspired by the Islamic State’s desire to kill.
A flag of the jihadist group was found in the vehicle used in the attack, and possible explosives were discovered in the vehicle and surrounding area. The president has emphasized that the situation is fluid and the investigation is in its preliminary phase, and investigators will continue to look for connections and co-conspirators.
Las Vegas Explosion
A Tesla Cybertruck electric van caught fire next to the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, resulting in one death and seven injuries. The incident is being investigated as a possible terrorist attack. Billionaire Elon Musk, owner of Tesla, has confirmed that the explosion was caused by large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the back of the rented Cybertruck and is not related to the vehicle itself.
Response from World Leaders
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the attack in New Orleans and conveyed his condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives. Melania Trump, the wife of President-elect Donald Trump, has expressed her concern about the incidents of violence in the country and called for an end to brutality.
Support for New Orleans
President Biden has ordered the attorney general, the director of the FBI, the secretary of Homeland Security, the head of the National Counterterrorism Center, and the Intelligence community to work intensely to gather complete information about the attacks. He has also asked his team to ensure that all resources are available to federal, state, and local law enforcement to complete the investigation quickly and ensure that there is no remaining threat to the American people.
The president has expressed his support for the city of New Orleans, which he described as a place full of charm and joy. He has emphasized that the spirit of the city will never be defeated and will always shine.