The investigation into the tragic vehicle terror attack that left at least 15 dead and over 35 injured in the French Quarter continues to go from bad to worse. Authorities revealed that surveillance footage shows three men and a woman placing explosive devices in connection with the attack, further substantiating suspicions that the driver did not act alone.

UPDATE:

According to CNN, officials now believe those originally thought to be possibly suspects were found to have nothing to do with placing explosives. Police have the driver's home surrounded by Texas as the investigation continues.

ORIGINAL STORY:

The Incident

The incident occurred early Wednesday morning at the bustling corner of Bourbon and Iberville streets when a rented Ford F-150 pickup truck rammed through a crowd. The suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. Army veteran from Texas, was killed in an exchange of gunfire with police after the attack. An ISIS flag was reportedly found in the truck, prompting federal investigators to probe potential links to terrorist organizations.

The video evidence was disclosed in a Louisiana State Police bulletin obtained by the Associated Press. It aligns with statements from officials during a press conference, where they emphasized the pursuit of additional suspects. "We are aggressively running down all leads to identify any possible associates of the subject," the FBI said.

Heightened Security Measures

Governor Jeff Landry has declared a state of emergency in Orleans Parish, enabling the mobilization of additional resources to bolster security ahead of major events like the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras.

NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick confirmed that multiple explosive devices were found both in the suspect’s vehicle and elsewhere in the French Quarter, solidifying concerns of a coordinated plot.

"This man was intent on creating as much carnage as possible," Kirkpatrick said. "This was not a DUI situation—it was an act of terror."

Community and Government Response

Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced a fund to support victims and urged the public to respect secured investigation areas. The Sugar Bowl, initially scheduled for Wednesday, was postponed to Thursday to allow for extensive safety measures, including bomb sweeps at the Superdome.

Families of victims are being directed to resources at University Medical Center, where many injured remain hospitalized, some in critical condition. Among the victims are two Israeli nationals, with representatives from the Israeli Consulate en route to provide support.

Both President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump issued statements condemning the violence, pledging full federal support for the investigation.

Ongoing Investigation

The discovery of surveillance footage and explosives raises questions about the extent of the planning and the network involved. Law enforcement agencies are urging anyone with information to come forward.

As New Orleans mourns, the focus now shifts to ensuring the safety of upcoming events and preventing future tragedies.

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