Highlights:
• The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has released more information on the suspect:
o He rented an F-150 truck on December 30th and drove from Houston, TX to New Orleans on December 31st.
o Just hours before the attack, the suspect went to a house in New Orleans he rented through an online app.
o The suspect posted five videos on his Facebook account. In the videos he explained that he originally planned to harm his family and friends but was concerned the news headlines would not focus on the "war between the believers and the disbelievers." Additionally, he stated he had joined the Islamic State before this summer. Finally, he included his will and testament.
o A total of three phones and two laptops belonging to the suspect have been recovered.
• The FBI has recovered two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in two coolers:
o Both devices were rendered safe.
o Surveillance videos have been found that show the suspect placing both devices where they were found.
o Two other items of interest were determined not to be IEDs.
• The FBI is encouraging anyone who saw the coolers with the IEDs on Bourbon and Orleans Streets or has any other information on the suspect to come forward so they can be interviewed as witnesses.
• The FBI has received at least 400 tips on this attack.
• FBI special agents and our law enforcement partners are currently conducting several court-authorized search warrants in New Orleans and other states.
• Currently there is no link between the suspect and the incident in Las Vegas.
• Operation NOLA Hub has been activated to provide services for victims and survivors.
• The New Orleans City Hall was closed to the public today to minimize traffic disruptions in the vicinity of City Hall. It will resume normal business hours on Friday, January 3rd.
Sources:
• Ready New Orleans Twitter Page
• New Orleans Police Department Twitter Page
• FBI New Orleans Twitter Page
Resources
Greater New Orleans Foundation Tragedy Fund
United for New Orleans Relief Fund
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