External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar strongly condemned the terrorist attack in New Orleans, where a car rammed into a crowd during New Year’s celebrations, killing 15 people. In a post on X, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of global unity in combating terrorism.
He wrote, “An outrageous attack that underlines why we must stand united in the fight against terrorism. My condolences to the families of the victims and prayers for the early recovery of those injured.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly terrorist attack” and extended his condolences to the victims’ families.
Global Reactions
World leaders, including Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, joined in denouncing the attack. They emphasized solidarity and the urgent need to address global terrorism.
Connection to Las Vegas Incident
Hours after the New Orleans attack, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing one person and injuring seven. The FBI identified the New Orleans attacker as Shamsud Din Jabbar, who had an ISIS flag and suspected explosive devices in his vehicle. Both vehicles involved in the incidents were rented from the platform Turo.
U.S. President Joe Biden assured the public that law enforcement and intelligence agencies are working tirelessly to investigate any possible links between the two incidents. “Every resource is being utilized to ensure the safety of the American people,” Biden stated.
FBI Investigation
The FBI described the New Orleans incident as a terrorist act and revealed that the suspect intentionally targeted the crowd. Investigations are focusing on potential connections between the New Orleans attack and the Las Vegas explosion.
