Investigations Continue into New Year’s Day Attacks in the United States
The start of 2025 in the United States has been marred by two significant incidents in Las Vegas and New Orleans on January 1. The New Orleans saw the loss of at least 15 lives and dozens injured, while in Las Vegas, the driver of the vehicle perished, and minor injuries were reported.
The close timing of these events has raised concerns about a potential connection between them. The US government has addressed the issue, and investigations are ongoing. President Joe Biden stated, “We are investigating the explosion of a Cybertruck in front of the Trump Hotel. Security forces and Intelligence are looking into it, including any possible connection to the New Orleans attack.”
Biden emphasized that investigators will continue to explore connections, but cautioned against drawing premature conclusions. He also revealed that the perpetrator of the New Orleans mass car accident, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was a US Army veteran who remained in the reserve until 2020. This information may be crucial in establishing a link between the two attackers.
Similarities Between the Attacks
Initial findings indicate that both suspects, Din Jabbar and Matthew Livelsberger, the alleged driver of the Cybertruck, rented the vehicles used in the attacks through the same car rental application, ‘Turo’. Additionally, both attacks occurred on New Year’s Day.
In the New Orleans incident, investigators discovered what appeared to be explosives in the vehicle and surrounding area. Similarly, the vehicle in front of the Trump Hotel ignited due to explosive material. Journalist Tony Kovaleski reported that both Shamsud-Din Jabbar and Matthew Livelsberger may have served on the same military base, citing anonymous sources.
Authorities Exercise Caution on Connection
Despite these parallels, security agents are cautious about drawing conclusions, as these coincidences may be superficial. The sheriff of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Kevin McMhaill, described the Las Vegas incident as an “isolated accident” and attributed the use of the same car rental app to coincidence. Authorities have found no evidence linking the Las Vegas incident to ISIS, unlike the New Orleans attack. They are also awaiting confirmation that the body found in the Cybertruck belongs to Matthew Livelsberger due to its condition.