USA FBI: IS flag found in New Orleans crime vehicle
Investigators have found a flag of the terrorist organization Islamic State (IS) on board the vehicle used in the New Orleans shooting. The FBI is now investigating whether the perpetrator had links to terrorist organizations, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The man who died after a gunfight with the police is 42-year-old Shamsud-Din J., a US citizen from Texas. The FBI had previously announced that it was investigating the case as an act of terrorism.
01.01.2025, 20:22
SDA
The perpetrator crashed into passers-by who were still celebrating in the popular nightlife district of the US southern metropolis of New Orleans early on New Year's morning. He then got out of the car and shot at police officers, according to the FBI. At least ten people were killed in the attack and more than 35 others were injured.
Crime vehicle had explosive devices on board
According to the FBI, investigators also found several homemade explosive devices and weapons in the vehicle. It is currently being investigated whether these could really have been detonated. Other such objects were also found in the vicinity of the crime scene. The vehicle used in the crime was a rental car, it was added. How the perpetrator got hold of the car is currently being investigated.
The FBI confirmed his death a few hours later. There had been an exchange of gunfire between him and emergency services.
The police had previously spoken of "very deliberate behavior" on the part of the driver. "He was trying to run over as many people as possible", New Orleans' police chief Anne Kirkpatrick had said in a press conference.
The starting point of the crime was the intersection of the two main streets of the French Quarter nightlife district, Canal and Bourbon Street.
