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ISIS-Inspired Attack on Bourbon Street
1/1/2025
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a former US Army veteran turned ISIS-inspired terrorist, executed a deadly attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on New Year's, killing 14 and injuring over 30 people. Before the attack, Jabbar posted videos on Facebook expressing his allegiance to ISIS and detailing his change of plans from attacking his family to targeting a public crowd to highlight a 'war between believers and disbelievers.' The FBI has released images of him prior to the attack and a cooler containing an IED he left at the scene. Jabbar's home in Houston was raided by the FBI, revealing bomb-making materials and religious texts, further corroborating his radicalization. Officials, including Congressman Troy Carter, have promised a thorough investigation to uncover the roots of Jabbar's radicalization, which remains unclear despite his financial and marital struggles. The attack has shocked many, given Jabbar's seemingly normal life trajectory prior to his radicalization.
New Orleans Terror Attack: Lone Attacker Confirmed
1/1/2025
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran, acted alone in a New Year's Day terror attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, driving a rented pickup truck into a crowd and killing at least 15 people. Before the attack, Jabbar posted videos pledging allegiance to ISIS, and an ISIS flag along with homemade explosives were found in his truck, which were safely neutralized. The FBI confirmed no accomplices were involved, and Jabbar was shot dead by police after opening fire upon exiting the vehicle. Authorities continue to investigate Jabbar's background, noting his intent to cause mass casualties after renting the truck in Houston. President Biden has been briefed on the situation, and the attack is officially treated as an ISIS-inspired act of terrorism.
FBI Classifies New Orleans Attack as Terrorism
1/1/2025
The New Orleans attack on New Year's Day, where a radicalized former U.S. Army veteran, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, killed 15 people before being shot dead by police, has been classified as terrorism by the FBI due to his declared allegiance to ISIS. The event has prompted cities like Austin to enhance their public safety measures. Despite Jabbar being a U.S. citizen, former President Donald Trump used the incident to promote his anti-immigration stance, blaming 'open borders' and criticizing federal agencies. House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed Trump's immigration rhetoric, despite Jabbar’s clear U.S. citizenship and military background. President Biden condemned the attack, extended sympathies to the victims, and emphasized the ongoing investigation. The incident underscores the complexities of domestic terrorism and the political manipulation of immigration issues for electoral gains.
Fullerton Plane Crash Kills Two, Injures Nineteen
1/2/2025
A tragic plane crash in Fullerton, California, claimed the lives of Huntington Beach High School junior Kelly Reid and her father, Pascal Reid. They were aboard a single-engine Van’s Aircraft RV-10 that crashed into the Michael Nicholas Design Factory shortly after takeoff from Fullerton Airport. The crash resulted in a fire that injured 19 people inside the building, 11 of whom were hospitalized. Kelly was a talented athlete, known for her involvement in soccer, lacrosse, and flag football, and was cherished by her community. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred as the pilot attempted a return to the airport. The incident has left the community mourning the loss of the Reids, who were deeply involved in the school's sports programs.
Mukesh Chandrakar Murder Sparks Political Controversy
1/3/2025
The murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar in Chhattisgarh has ignited a political controversy, with accusations of involvement from the Congress and BJP parties. Chandrakar, known for his investigative reporting, went missing on January 1, and his body was discovered in a septic tank on a property owned by contractor Suresh Chandrakar, who is linked to a corruption scandal. Three individuals, including Mukesh's cousin Ritesh Chandrakar, have been arrested, while Suresh remains at large. The police have formed an 11-member Special Investigation Team to probe the case, and all bank accounts linked to Suresh have been sealed. Political figures from both parties are trading accusations, with Congress denying current ties to Suresh and BJP alleging Congress connections. The Press Council of India and various journalist associations have condemned the murder and demanded a thorough investigation.
Cetinje Shooting Deadliest Since WWII
1/1/2025
A tragic shooting spree in Cetinje, Montenegro, has resulted in the deaths of at least 10 to 13 people, including two children, with the suspect, 45-year-old Aleksandar Martinovic, ultimately dying from self-inflicted injuries after being cornered by police. The rampage began at a bar following a brawl, during which Martinovic killed the bar owner, his children, and several of his own family members. The incident is described as the deadliest in Montenegro since World War II, leading the government to declare three days of mourning. Martinovic, who had a history of violent behavior, was reportedly under the influence of alcohol during the attack. Authorities have ruled out organized crime connections and are considering stricter gun control measures in response to the tragedy.
Man Confesses to Murdering Family in Lucknow Hotel
1/1/2025
A 24-year-old man named Arshad has been arrested in Lucknow after allegedly murdering his mother Asma and four sisters, Alia (9), Alshia (19), Aksa (16), and Rahmeen (18), inside a hotel room. Arshad reportedly confessed to the crime, citing land-related harassment and a threat that his sisters would be sold as motives. An investigation is underway, with his father also suspected of involvement but currently on the run. The family had traveled from Agra to celebrate the New Year, and Arshad allegedly drugged them before committing the murders. Forensic teams are collecting evidence, and police are interviewing hotel staff to gather more information.
Jeju Air Crash Investigated as Deadliest Disaster in Korea
1/2/2025
In the aftermath of South Korea's deadliest aviation disaster, police conducted raids on Jeju Air and Muan International Airport as part of an investigation into the crash of Flight 2216, which killed 179 people. The Boeing 737-800, carrying mostly South Korean tourists from Thailand, crashed after its landing gear failed to deploy, exacerbated by a suspected bird strike. Investigators are examining whether mechanical failure or professional negligence contributed to the crash, and the cockpit voice recorder has been analyzed, though it hasn't clarified the communication breakdown. Authorities are also searching for human remains and have banned Jeju Air's CEO from leaving the country. The tragedy has prompted nationwide mourning and safety inspections of all South Korean Boeing 737-800s. Meanwhile, public mourning and support efforts are ongoing, with citizens pre-paying for victims' families' expenses at the airport.
Fiji Investigates Virgin Australia Crew Assaults
1/1/2025
Fiji police are investigating incidents of alleged theft and sexual assault involving Virgin Australia crew members in Nadi on New Year's Day. The attacks occurred in the nightclub area, and a suspect known to the police for the alleged sexual assault has been questioned. Virgin Australia has sent a support team to Fiji, and the affected crew members are currently staying at a local hotel used for airline layovers. Despite the incidents, Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka emphasized that such crimes can happen anywhere and urged tourists to exercise caution. Fiji relies heavily on tourism, drawing nearly a million visitors annually, and recent crime statistics indicate a 6% rise in crime rates in October compared to the previous year. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is aware of the situation but has not provided further comments.
Bourbon Street Attack Kills 14; Sugar Bowl Postponed
1/2/2025
On New Year's Day, New Orleans experienced a tragic attack when a driver plowed a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 14 people and injuring dozens more. Authorities are investigating the incident as a terrorist act, with the suspect identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who rented the truck in Houston. The attack prompted a postponement of the Sugar Bowl game between Notre Dame and Georgia, as families and fans in New Orleans grappled with shock and fear. Later that day, a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas resulted in one death and seven injuries. The Notre Dame community, deeply affected by the tragedy, held a mass for those impacted, while attendees expressed gratitude for safety and the fraternity shared by both football teams. Despite the tragic events, there is a sense of resilience among locals and visitors, who hope the city will recover and continue to be a vibrant destination.