Republican Issues Warning if Truth About New Orleans Attack Is Hidden

Senator John Kennedy, a Louisiana Republican, pledged to "raise fresh hell" if the FBI don't share its investigation into the New Orleans terror attack with the public.

"Once the FBI has a chance to investigate all of this, working with state police, working with Homeland Security, working with the City of New Orleans, they are going to tell you what happened. I can promise you that. Or I'm going to raise fresh hell," he told reporters at a press conference Wednesday.

"But right now they're in the process of trying to catch the other bad guy, and I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt."

Why It Matters

Trust in the FBI is at its lowest in a century, according to Gallup poll numbers. Just 41 percent of Americans think the agency is doing a good job after support dropped by 18 percent in the past decade.

Historically, Republicans have been more in favor of the FBI, with Democrats less likely to have a positive view of the agency. But in recent years, the Mueller report, the Steele Dossier, the search of Donald Trump's Florida compound of Mar-a-Lago and the criminal prosecutions against Trump have shifted Republicans' opinions of the FBI and Department of Justice.

Senator John Kennedy, a Louisiana Republican, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on November 19, 2024. Kennedy on January 1, 2025, pledged to "raise fresh hell" if the FBI don't share its investigation into... Angelina Katsanis/AP

What To Know

Ten people were killed and more than 30 were injured when the truck plowed into crowds of New Year's Eve revelers in the French Quarter, one of New Orleans' busiest areas, at around 4:15 a.m. EST.

The New Orleans Police Department said the suspect, Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, opened fire on officers after the vehicle came to a stop.

Officers swiftly returned fire and Jabbar was pronounced dead at the scene.

New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said he "was trying to run over as many people as he could."

The FBI called the attack and act of terrorism and confirmed an ISIS flag was found on Jabbar's rented truck.

The FBI is now leading the investigation into the attack, and Sen. Kennedy has warned he will "raise fresh hell" if the the results are not made public.

In a statement to Newsweek, the agency said it was working to "aggressively" run down leads and identify other potential suspects.

"The FBI is working to determine the subject's potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations," the spokesperson said. "Weapons and a potential IED were located in the subject's vehicle. Other potential IEDs were also located in the French
Quarter.

"The FBI is the lead investigative agency, and we are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism.

"We are aggressively running down all leads to identify any possible associates of the subject."

What People Are Saying

Sen. Kennedy told reporters, earlier today, "The attack on Bourbon Street this morning was evil. I'm praying for every victim of this violence and am grateful to all the first responders who rushed toward danger to help the innocent today.

"Every resource that law enforcement needs to get answers about this barbaric act should be made available. The FBI is not going to be able to answer those questions. They will eventually, I promise you, OK?"

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a press conference on Wednesday: "This abhorrent attack is being investigated by the FBI as an act of terrorism. Our hearts break for the families of those whose lives were lost and our prayers are with those recovering from injuries they suffered. We are grateful to the first responders for their bravery and urge the public to be vigilant."

New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick told reporters on Wednesday morning: "This man was trying to run over as many people as he could."

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, on X, formerly Twitter: "A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning. Please join Sharon and I in praying for all the victims and first responders on scene. I urge all near the scene to avoid the area."

What's Next

The FBI is leading the investigation into the attack.

Authorities believe the suspect was not acting alone and is asking anyone with information to contact the FBI's New Orleans Bureau by calling (504) 816-3000 or by emailing tips@fbi.gov.

The public is being asked to avoid Bourbon Street north from Canal to Dumaine Street, east to Royal Street, and west to Dauphine Street until further notice.