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Investigations Explore Potential Links Between New Orleans and Las Vegas Attacks

Both Jabbar and Livelsberger had military backgrounds and reportedly served at the same Army base, though their direct association remains unconfirmed.

,   and  Dallas Ludlum
3 min read
new orleans las vegas terrorist attacks

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On New Year's Day, two separate attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas have prompted federal investigations into potential connections between the incidents. Both attacks involved U.S. Army veterans and resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries.

New Orleans Attack

In the early hours of January 1, 2025, Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran, drove a rented pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing at least 15 people and injuring 35 others. After the collision, Jabbar exited the vehicle and opened fire on police officers, who responded by fatally shooting him. An ISIS flag and improvised explosive devices were found in his truck, indicating a potential terrorist motive. Prior to the attack, Jabbar had posted videos expressing a desire to kill and claiming inspiration from ISIS.

Las Vegas Explosion

Hours later, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, resulting in the death of the driver and injuries to seven bystanders. The driver was identified as 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, an active-duty U.S. Army Special Forces soldier. Investigators discovered that the vehicle contained fireworks, gas tanks, and camping fuel connected to a detonation system, suggesting the explosion was intentional.

Potential Connections

Authorities are examining possible links between the two incidents. Both Jabbar and Livelsberger had military backgrounds and reportedly served at the same Army base, though their direct association remains unconfirmed. Additionally, both vehicles were rented from the same company using a car-sharing application, raising questions about coordination. However, the FBI has stated that there is currently "no definitive link" between the two attacks.

Backgrounds of the Perpetrators

  • Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar: Jabbar served in the U.S. Army for ten years, including a deployment to Afghanistan in 2009, and was honorably discharged with the rank of staff sergeant. He had a history of erratic behavior and financial difficulties, including two divorces and a criminal record involving misdemeanor theft and driving with an invalid license. Family members noted that he had converted to Islam at a young age and had become increasingly passionate about his faith in recent years.
  • Matthew Livelsberger: Livelsberger was an active-duty U.S. Army Special Forces soldier with 19 years of service, specializing in drone operations and maintenance. He was stationed at Camp Panzer Kaserne near Stuttgart, Germany, and had been on approved leave at the time of the incident. His military career included deployments to Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Georgia, and he was nearing eligibility for full military retirement benefits.

Official Responses

President Joe Biden condemned the attacks, describing them as "despicable acts of violence," and pledged full federal support for the investigations. He emphasized the importance of uncovering any connections between the incidents to ensure national security.

Ongoing Investigations

The FBI is leading the investigations into both attacks, treating them as potential acts of terrorism. Authorities are analyzing the backgrounds of both individuals, their possible motivations, and any connections to extremist organizations. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist in the investigations.

Community Impact

The attacks have left both communities in mourning. In New Orleans, the French Quarter remains under heightened security, with local officials requesting blood donations to aid the injured. The Sugar Bowl game, a significant local event, was postponed in the wake of the tragedy.

In Las Vegas, the area surrounding the Trump International Hotel has been cordoned off as investigations continue, with guests relocated to other accommodations.

Conclusion

As investigations proceed, authorities are working diligently to determine whether these two tragic events are connected. The incidents have sparked discussions about the potential for radicalization among military personnel and the challenges of identifying and preventing such threats. The nation watches closely as more information emerges, hoping for answers and measures to prevent future tragedies.

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