The FBI has remained silent on whether or not it should hearth or self-discipline the agent who initially informed the media and public that the surprising New 12 months’s Day assault in New Orleans was “not a terrorist event,” earlier than the company rapidly backtracked and reported the assault was in actual fact below investigation as a terror incident.
Fox Information Digital reached out to the FBI’s press workplace and press secretary on Thursday and Friday, inquiring whether or not New Orleans area workplace FBI Assistant Particular Agent in Cost Alethea Duncan would face termination or disciplinary motion over her preliminary declare the assault was not related to terrorism, however didn’t obtain replies. Fox Digital additionally referred to as the FBI press workplace on Friday morning however couldn’t depart a message relating to the inquiry because the voicemail field was full.
After chaos unfolded on Bourbon Avenue early Wednesday morning as New 12 months’s revelers celebrated the vacation, Duncan spoke throughout a press convention, declaring the assault was not related to terrorism.
“We’ll be taking up the investigative lead for this occasion. This isn’t a terrorist occasion,” Duncan mentioned through the presser.
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FBI Particular Agent Aletha Duncan tells the general public in a press convention that the assault in New Orleans was not associated to terrorism. (Reuters)
Throughout that very same press convention, nevertheless, the mayor of New Orleans informed the media and public that town did in actual fact endure a terror assault.
“Know that the metropolis of New Orleans was impacted by a terrorist assault. It is all nonetheless below investigation,” Mayor LaToya Cantrell, a Democrat who has served within the function since 2018, mentioned on the presser.
On Thursday, the FBI responded to Fox Digital’s request for remark relating to criticisms surrounding Duncan’s preliminary evaluation that the assault was not related to terrorism, detailing to Fox Digital that, on the day of the assault, the FBI launched three totally different statements that each one mentioned that the FBI was investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.
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“This morning, an individual drove a car into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing a number of people and injuring dozens of others. The subject then engaged with local law enforcement and is now deceased. The FBI is the lead investigative agency, and we are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism,” the FBI mentioned in one of many statements offered to Fox Digital.
Duncan additionally mentioned in subsequent press conferences that the assault is being investigated as an act of terror.
The FBI confirmed this week that the suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, had an ISIS flag in his truck on the time of the assault. The FBI added Thursday that Jabbar had been “inspired” by ISIS however that they haven’t discovered any proof that he was directed by ISIS to hold out the rampage.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry speaks to the media throughout a press convention on Jan. 1, 2025 in New Orleans. (Picture by Chris Graythen/Getty Pictures)
Jabbar, a 42-year-old Military veteran from Texas, was killed after exchanging gunfire with police after plowing a truck by way of crowds of individuals.
Conservative lawmakers, Trump allies and voters have slammed the FBI for its dealing with of the investigation, together with Republican Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn, arguing that the FBI has put a heightened deal with DEI practices somewhat than combating crime.
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“The FBI has a no-fail mission. There is no room for error. When they fail, Americans die. It’s a necessity that Kash Patel gets confirmed ASAP,” a supply near President-elect Donald Trump added in criticism to Fox Information Digital on Thursday morning.
