Authorities are still investigating the potential links between the New Year’s Day attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas, though few connections have been found so far. President Joe Biden mentioned that the investigation is ongoing, but there is no evidence linking the two attacks yet.
In the early hours of New Year’s Day, Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove through a crowded street in New Orleans’ French Quarter, killing at least 15 people and injuring many more. Jabbar, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran, was identified as the driver. Authorities have classified the incident as an act of terrorism, as Jabbar had shown support for ISIS before the attack. He also claimed he joined the terrorist group in mid-2024. Explosives were found in ice coolers at two locations in the French Quarter, and authorities confirmed that Jabbar was behind planting the devices.
Meanwhile, just hours later in Las Vegas, Matthew Livelsberger drove a Tesla Cybertruck into the lobby of the Trump Hotel, detonating explosives inside. Livelsberger, also an Army veteran, died in the explosion. While the blast was contained, it didn’t cause much damage to the hotel. The attack is still under investigation.
There are some similarities between the two attackers. Both men had military backgrounds, with Jabbar and Livelsberger serving at Fort Bragg. Livelsberger was a Green Beret at the time of his death. Additionally, both attackers rented vehicles through the Turo app.
Despite these similarities, authorities have not found any direct links between the two incidents. Lawmakers, especially Republicans, have called for faster confirmation of President Trump’s key national security appointments, believing that stronger security measures are needed to address threats like ISIS.
Former President Trump also blamed Biden’s policies, especially regarding border security, for the rise of violent incidents. Trump criticized the current administration, saying that the situation in America is worse than ever due to Biden’s handling of security.
While investigations continue, it remains unclear whether there is any connection between the two attacks.
