United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has denounced the deadly truck attack in New Orleans that claimed the lives of at least 15 people and left over 30 injured during New Year’s celebrations.
Reports indicate that the tragic incident occurred early Wednesday morning when a 42-year-old male suspect intentionally drove a pick-up truck into a crowd in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The suspect was killed during a shootout with police, which also injured two officers.
The FBI is investigating potential ties between the suspect and ISIL extremists after discovering an ISIL flag and improvised explosives in the rented vehicle and nearby locations.
“The Secretary-General strongly condemns the attack in New Orleans,” said Florencia Soto Nino-Martinez, Associate Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, during a Thursday briefing in New York. “He extends his condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and to the Government and people of Louisiana and the United States. He also wishes a swift recovery to those injured.”
Authorities are also probing possible links between the New Orleans attack and a separate vehicle explosion in Las Vegas earlier that day. A Tesla Cybertruck reportedly detonated near the entrance of the Trump International Hotel, killing the driver and injuring seven others. Investigators believe fireworks, gas tanks, and camping fuel triggered the explosion.
Surveillance footage from the New Orleans incident is being analyzed, with investigators focusing on a group of four individuals seen acting suspiciously in the vicinity. Authorities are exploring whether these individuals had a role in placing explosive devices or assisting the suspect.
This tragedy has sparked calls for increased vigilance as authorities work to uncover the full scope of the attacks.