Authorities have revealed that the two men involved in the recent attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas, Shamsud-Din Jabbar and Matthew Livelsberger, were both Army soldiers who served at Fort Liberty and deployed to Afghanistan in 2009. However, there is no evidence based on their military service to suggest that the attacks were related. Despite both men serving at Fort Liberty, they were there at different times, and there is currently no definitive link between the attacks according to FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia. The investigation is ongoing to determine any potential ties between the two incidents.
Both men used the Turo app to rent electric pickup trucks used in the attacks, and Turo has stated that they have been actively partnering with law enforcement authorities during the investigations. Livelsberger, who was an active duty soldier at the time of his death, was the only fatality in the Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas. Investigators believe he shot himself in the head before the truck exploded. The FBI is looking for potential terror ties to Livelsberger but has not found any as of the latest updates.
While the Las Vegas incident remains under investigation for any terrorist connections, authorities in New Orleans have stated that the attack was clearly terror-inspired. Jabbar, who crashed the truck and died in a gun battle with police, had an Islamic State group flag in the rented truck and had posted videos on social media prior to the attack vowing allegiance to ISIS. Authorities believe he acted alone and no additional persons of interest are being sought in connection with the New Orleans attack.
The FBI has revealed that video footage shows Jabbar planting two improvised explosive devices along Bourbon Street in New Orleans. One was at the intersection of Bourbon and Orleans, and the other was two blocks away. People who were in the area and witnessed the coolers are asked to contact the FBI as potential witnesses. Jabbar, a former Army veteran, had served as a human resource specialist and IT specialist from 2007 to 2015 before continuing as an IT specialist in the Army Reserve until 2020. He had been working for Deloitte, a major international accounting firm, prior to the attack.
The investigation into both incidents is ongoing, with authorities in both locations working to uncover any potential ties or motives behind the attacks. The FBI has not uncovered any connections between the New Orleans and Las Vegas attacks at this time. The Louisiana Governor has condemned the ideology behind the Bourbon Street attack and praised the efforts of law enforcement in responding to the incidents. Experts have noted that a potential military connection in these incidents could be a red flag and are closely monitoring the investigations for any new developments or connections.
In conclusion, the attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas have shocked the nation, with authorities working diligently to determine the motives and any potential ties between the two incidents. The involvement of Army soldiers in the attacks has raised concerns, but at this time, there is no definitive link between the attacks based on military service. The investigations are ongoing, and law enforcement is urging anyone with information to come forward as potential witnesses. The communities affected by these tragic events are rallying together to support the victims and their families while condemning the acts of terrorism that have taken place.