A truck plowed through crowds in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, killing at least 15 people, sparking fears that the international terrorist group, ISIS, may have played a role. President Biden confirmed that the driver posted videos on social media “mere hours” before the attack, indicating inspiration from ISIS.
Law enforcement is investigating the suspect’s potential associations with terrorist organizations, including the Islamic State. Counterterrorism specialists pointed to several signs, such as carrying an ISIS flag during the attack, which may have been intended to trigger others into following suit.
U.S. officials have warned of a growing threat from ISIS affiliates, particularly ISIS-K in Afghanistan, which carried out deadly bombings in Iran and Russia last year. Authorities are concerned that individuals or small groups may draw inspiration from Middle East events to carry out attacks within the United States.
The attack on New Orleans would be the deadliest ISIS-related assault since a 2016 shooting at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida. The group has been slowly regaining strength since its caliphate was destroyed in Syria in 2019 and has built on affiliates in Afghanistan, Africa, and areas of Syria controlled by Russia.
The investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of any influence from ISIS or other organizations.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/01/us/politics/new-orleans-attack-terrorism.html