Bourbon Street in New Orleans reopened yesterday, a day after a U.S. Army veteran drove a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year’s revelers, resulting in at least 14 fatalities. Visitors cautiously returned to the French Quarter as live bands resumed performances and mourners visited a makeshift memorial adorned with flowers and Mardi Gras beads.
Investigators announced that the assailant, Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, acted alone. Jabbar, who died during a confrontation with police, had claimed in an online video that he joined the Islamic State group. Christopher Raia, an official with the F.B.I.’s counterterrorism division, stated, “He was 100 percent inspired by ISIS.” Authorities expressed confidence that there were no accomplices involved, following extensive interviews and reviews of Jabbar’s communications and social media.
Additionally, the F.B.I. found no definitive link between the New Orleans attack and an explosion involving a Tesla truck outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas, although investigations continue. The Las Vegas driver shot himself before the explosion, which injured seven individuals.
In South Korea, officials abandoned an attempt to detain President Yoon Suk Yeol for questioning regarding insurrection charges after a prolonged standoff at his residence. Thousands of supporters camped outside, hindering officials from reaching the president. Investigators expressed regret over Yoon’s refusal to comply, stating they would decide later whether to attempt detention again.
This incident follows Yoon’s controversial declaration of martial law last month, which sparked a political crisis. Yoon has pledged to contest the charges, and his lawyer has filed an injunction challenging the validity of the detention warrant.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials had secured a court warrant for Yoon’s detention, but officials would need to apply for a separate warrant if they wish to formally arrest him.
Meanwhile, negotiations for a cease-fire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas have reached a stalemate, despite Hamas officials meeting with Egyptian representatives in Cairo. President Biden’s impending departure from office on January 20 raises concerns that an agreement may not be reached before then.
Israeli airstrikes recently resulted in the deaths of Mahmoud Salah, Gaza’s police chief, and Hussam Shahwan, a senior aide. The Israeli military confirmed responsibility for Shahwan’s death but did not comment on Salah’s. Reports from Gaza’s Civil Defense indicated that the airstrike caused multiple casualties, including children.
In a related development, Israel is moving to ban UNRWA, the U.N. agency responsible for aid delivery in Gaza, due to allegations of shielding Hamas militants. U.N. officials are preparing to cease UNRWA operations amid warnings of impending famine in parts of the territory.
In other news, Agnes Keleti, a Holocaust survivor and the world’s oldest Olympic champion, has passed away at the age of 103. Additionally, Naples, Italy, has gained popularity on social media, attracting travelers and celebrities, although local residents face significant challenges.
For those interested in improving their diets, a five-day challenge focused on reducing ultraprocessed foods is being offered, highlighting the health risks associated with such diets.
For further recommendations, readers can explore baking tips, book suggestions, film recommendations, and travel opportunities related to art exhibitions in Europe.
That concludes today’s briefing. Further updates will follow next week.