President-elect Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that the New Orleans terrorist truck attack, which killed 15 people and injured at least 30, proved he was correct about criminals “coming in” to the United States, despite the fact that law enforcement said the suspect was born in the United States.
He posted the following message on Wednesday: “When I said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted by Democrats and the fake news media, but it turned out to be true.”
Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, later came to be known as the suspect. Police have not revealed any additional information about his identity. The Associated Press reports that a shootout with police killed him around 3:15 a.m.
Why It Matters
Trump prioritized illegal immigration and crime during his election campaign, promising mass deportation of undocumented immigrants. He has repeatedly linked acts of violence to the presence of illegal migrants, labeling them as “criminals,” “gang members,” and “killers.”
What to Know
During a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Alethea Duncan, an assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s New Orleans field office, confirmed that Jabbar was a United States citizen born in Texas.
A truck collided with crowds of New Orleans revelers on Bourbon Street early on New Year’s Day, killing and injuring several people.
The FBI is looking into it as a “act of terrorism,” President Joe Biden said in a statement. The apparent sighting of a flag on the back of the truck sparked online speculation.
Trump’s post did not explain why he believes the attacker came from outside the United States.
Earlier, a Fox News report at 10:40 a.m. cited unnamed “federal sources” who said the truck entered the United States through Eagle Pass, Texas, two days ago.
Trump delivered his remarks eight minutes later.
Fox later clarified some of its reporting. Fox News Senior National Correspondent Aishah Hasnie tweeted, citing unnamed sources, that the truck crossed Eagle Pass, TX, on November 16th, not two days ago.
The driver who crossed the border does not appear to be the shooter. “The truck changed hands at some point.”
Newsweek was unable to independently verify the reports and contacted a US Customs and Border Protection spokesperson for comment via email.
Later reports stated that the truck was a rental.
The attack is the second to use a truck as a weapon this holiday season, following a man driving into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on December 20, killing five people and injuring hundreds more.
According to New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, the male suspect “was trying to run over as many people as he could.” She explained that the incident was the result of “intentional behavior.”
“We had more than 300 officers out here last night. Kirkpatrick stated that the perpetrator intentionally went around our barricades, determined to cause the carnage and damage he did.
According to the Associated Press, the FBI reviewed surveillance footage alleged to show three men and a woman placing an improvised explosive device in New Orleans’ French Quarter.
What People Are Saying
Trump on Truth Social on Wednesday morning: “When I said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted by Democrats and the Fake News Media, but it proved to be true.”
“Our country’s crime rate has never been this high. Our hearts go out to all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department. The Trump administration will fully support the City of New Orleans in its investigation and recovery from this act of pure evil!”
President Joe Biden in a statement: “I will continue to receive updates throughout the day, and I will have more to say as we have further information to share. In the meantime, my heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday. There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation’s communities.”
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry on X: “A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning. Please join Sharon and I in praying for all the victims and first responders on scene. I urge all near the scene to avoid the area.”
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill: “Many of us woke up this morning to devastating news of the brutal intentional slaughter of innocent people celebrating the New Year in New Orleans. I’m praying for the victims and their families and will ensure they get justice for this appalling act.”
What Happens Next
The public is asked to avoid Bourbon Street north of Canal to Dumaine Streets, as well as east to Royal Street and west to Dauphine Street, until further notice.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI’s New Orleans Bureau at 504-816-3000 or tips@fbi.gov.
