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By Andrew Stanton
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President-elect Donald Trump said on Truth Social that the New Orleans truck attack that killed 15 and injured at least 30 proved he was right about criminals "coming in" to the United States, though law enforcement said the suspect was born in the U.S.
He wrote on Wednesday morning: "When I said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted by Democrats and the Fake News Media, but it turned out to be true."
The suspect was later identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar. More information about his identity has not been revealed by law enforcement. He was killed in a firefight with police at about 3:15 a.m., according to the Associated Press.
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Why It Matters
Trump made illegal immigration and crime key tenets of his election campaign and has promised large-scale deportation of undocumented immigrants. He has consistently linked acts of violence to the presence of illegal migrants, branding them "criminals," "gang members," and "killers."
What to Know
Alethea Duncan, an assistant special agent in charge of the FBI's New Orleans field office, confirmed during a press conference Wednesday afternoon that Jabbar was a U.S.-born citizen from Texas.
A truck left multiple dead and injured bodies on Bourbon Street after it crashed into crowds of New Orleans revelers early New Year's Day. The FBI is investigating it as an "act of terrorism," President Joe Biden wrote in a statement. Online speculation has followed after the apparent sighting of an ISIS flag on the back of the truck.
The basis for Trump's reasoning that the attacker came from outside of the U.S. was not stated in his post.
Earlier, a Fox News report at 10:40 a.m. had cited unnamed "federal sources" that the truck entered the U.S. via Eagle Pass, Texas, two days ago.
Trump made his remarks eight minutes later.
Fox later clarified some of their reporting. A tweet by Fox News senior national correspondent Aishah Hasnie, again quoting unnamed sources, said: "Sources now tell FOX the truck crossed Eagle Pass, TX on November 16th, not two days ago. The identification of driver that crossed border does not appear to be the shooter. The truck changed hands at some point."
In a statement to Newsweek on Thursday, Trump Communications Director Steven Cheung wrote: "President Trump rightfully highlighted that criminals crossing the border have committed some of the most heinous crimes this country has witnessed in its history. That is a factual statement, and it is a big reason why Americans overwhelmingly voted for him and gave him a massive mandate.
"It is also true that radical Islamic terrorism and its warped ideology have crossed into our country and infected those looking to spread hate and violence."
Newsweek was unable to independently verify the reports and reached out to a spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection for comment via email.
Later reports said the truck was a rental.
The attack is the second over the holiday season in which a truck was used as a weapon, after a man drove into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany on December 20, killing five people and injuring hundreds.
New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said the suspect "was trying to run over as many people as he could." She said the incident was the result of "intentional behavior."
"Last night we had over 300 officers out here. And because of the intentional mindset of this perpetrator who went around our barricades in order to conduct this, he was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did," Kirkpatrick said.
Citing an intelligence bulletin, AP reported that the FBI reviewed surveillance footage allegedly showing three men and a woman placing an improvised explosive device in New Orleans' French Quarter.
What People Are Saying
President-elect Donald Trump on Truth Social on Wednesday morning: "When I said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted by Democrats and the Fake News Media, but it turned out to be true.
"The crime rate in our country is at a level that nobody has ever seen before. Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department. The Trump Administration will fully support the City of New Orleans as they investigate and recover from this act of pure evil!"
President Joe Biden in a statement: "I will continue to receive updates throughout the day, and I will have more to say as we have further information to share. In the meantime, my heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday. There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation's communities."
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry on X, formerly Twitter: "A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning. Please join Sharon and I in praying for all the victims and first responders on scene. I urge all near the scene to avoid the area."
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill: "Many of us woke up this morning to devastating news of the brutal intentional slaughter of innocent people celebrating the New Year in New Orleans. I'm praying for the victims and their families and will ensure they get justice for this appalling act."
What Happens Next
The public is being asked to avoid Bourbon Street north from Canal to Dumaine Streets and also east to Royal Street and west to Dauphine Street until further notice.
Anyone with information that can assist in the investigation is asked to contact the FBI's New Orleans Bureau by calling (504) 816-3000 or by emailing tips@fbi.gov.
Update 1/1/25, 1:10 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information after the suspect had been identified.
Update 1/1/25, 2:11 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information after the FBI confirmed Jabbar was a U.S. citizen.
Update 1/1/25, 3:50 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Update 1/1/25, 6:03 p.m. ET: This article was updated to note the New Orleans attack death toll has risen to 15.
Update 1/2/25, 5:49 p.m. ET: This article was updated with a statement from Trump's transition team.
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