As the investigation continues, we are learning more about the details surrounding the early New Year’s morning Bourbon Street massacre which left at least 15 dead and many more injured in what the FBI is describing as a deliberate terrorist attack.
For instance, we’ve learned that the now-deceased suspect, identified as Shamsud Din Jabbar, was said to be inspired by the terrorist group, ISIS, was carrying an ISIS flag, and also had pipe bombs and guns in his pick-up truck.
It was also thought initially that he may not have acted alone as there were four others who were caught on surveillance video planting at least one of three IEDs that were placed around the French Quarter. The FBI, however, has reportedly ruled out any connection between them and Jabbar.
SEE ALSO: GOP Politicos Including Sens. Kennedy, Hawley React to Bourbon Street Attack, Demand Accountability
In the aftermath of national tragedies, one thing that happens is people speculate on if they could have been prevented, if more could have been done, and what the priorities were of the local, state, and federal agencies that are charged with helping keep America safe.
The FBI has been no exception to that rule, with Alethea Duncan, an assistant special agent in charge at the New Orleans field office, raising eyebrows earlier by initially claiming this “was not a terrorist event.”
Watch:
The New Orleans incident is “not a terrorist event” says FBI assistant special agent in charge, Aletha Duncan.
There have been “improvised explosive devices” found in the area, she adds.
The local mayor called it a “terrorist attack” moments before.https://t.co/lgEpBlrO0r pic.twitter.com/aauIieHNQp
— Sky News (@SkyNews) January 1, 2025
The Twitter/X account of the FBI New Orleans office has also come under the microscope, with tweets like the ones below causing people to question their priorities:
#FBINewOrleans thanks all our new friends/Swifties who provided a little extra gear to our folks this weekend! Everything goes with camo. pic.twitter.com/RHNOtLmB48
— FBI New Orleans (@FBINewOrleans) October 27, 2024
This #PrideMonth, the #FBI affirms our support to our dedicated #LGBTQIA+ staff, who work tirelessly every day to ensure the Bureau can better serve communities across America. Learn more about the FBI’s diversity and inclusion initiatives: https://t.co/QXpLWAWTAr #PRIDE pic.twitter.com/rfx5TQJVTd
— FBI New Orleans (@FBINewOrleans) June 20, 2024
#FBINewOrleans is holding a Diversity Agent Recruiting event and we want to meet you! Agents and FBI executives will provide first hand information about a rewarding career. Apply now to see if you qualify for the July 17th event in Metairie, LA here: https://t.co/wOH9dIvZG8 pic.twitter.com/kDCwaTcdbN
— FBI New Orleans (@FBINewOrleans) June 8, 2024
As one might imagine, the posts did not inspire confidence:
Seems like it’s better to hire the most qualified candidate. Their skin, sexual orientation, or favorite ice cream shouldn’t be a factor. https://t.co/fXkJNPX7JK
— juliet oscar (@tango_j_oscar) January 1, 2025
Ah, so this is what you’ve been focused on instead of doing your jobs. https://t.co/XjT1szjzj3
— Sean Davis (@seanmdav) January 1, 2025
The good news is that a new sheriff is in town and he will take office on January 20th. The bad news is that the incompetence, warped priorities, and political spite run deep within the agency, and it will take a long time to root it all out, no matter if it is Kash Patel who ends up running it or someone else.
To see more of our coverage of these developing stories, please click here.
