Kehinde Fajobi
US President Joe Biden has revealed that the suspect behind the New Year’s Eve truck attack in New Orleans, which left 15 dead and dozens injured, was inspired by the Islamic State (IS).
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Biden cited FBI findings, stating, “The attacker posted videos on social media indicating that he was inspired by IS, expressing the desire to kill.”
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din J from Texas, was a US-born citizen and a former Army serviceman.
“The FBI has reported to me that the killer was an American citizen, born in Texas,” Biden said.
“He served in the United States Army on active duty for many years and in the Army Reserve until a few years ago.”
An IS flag was discovered in the suspect’s vehicle, along with explosive devices both inside and outside the truck, Biden said, while noting that the FBI is treating the incident as an act of terrorism.
New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick described the attack as deliberate. “He was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could,” she said.
The suspect engaged in a gunfight with officers, injuring two, before being killed at the scene.
Although authorities believe the suspect acted with some degree of planning, FBI investigator Alethea Duncan noted, “We do not believe the driver was solely responsible.”
Surveillance footage initially identified a group of four individuals as suspicious, but they were later ruled out as suspects.
Biden reiterated that the investigation remains ongoing to determine whether the attacker had accomplices or further connections.