After the car attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve, with multiple fatalities, the suspected perpetrator has been identified.
The FBI announced on Wednesday that the driver was a 42-year-old US citizen from Texas. A flag of the terrorist organization “Islamic State” was found in the stolen vehicle, it was said further. The exact connections of the man to IS are currently the subject of the investigations.
The question of how he got the car will also be investigated. According to the authorities, weapons and a potential explosive device were found in the vehicle. Additionally, further potential explosive devices were found in the vicinity of the crime scene. The FBI is working to render these harmless.
The incident occurred at 3:15 am local time (10:15 am CET) on the legendary Bourbon Street; at the time, numerous people were gathered there due to the New Year’s Eve celebrations. At least ten people were killed and over 30 people were admitted to hospitals with injuries. The suspected perpetrator reportedly died in a shootout with the police. Two officers were injured and taken to a local hospital.