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FBI Believes NOLA Terror Suspect Acted Alone | Afternoon Update | 1.2.25
"I'm Daily Wire Editor-in-Chief John Vickley with Georgia Howe. It's Thursday, January 2nd, and this is your Morning Wire Afternoon Update." After initially suggesting there might be a terror cell involved, authorities now believe that Shamsud Dinn Jabbar acted alone when he allegedly drove into a New Orleans New Year's Eve crowd, killing 15. Jabbar died shortly after in a shootout with police. While agents are sweeping locations across several cities as investigations continue, that includes the search of a New Orleans Airbnb allegedly tied to Jabbar and a home in Houston. During a press conference today, the FBI also addressed theories surrounding the New Orleans attack and Vegas' Cybertruck explosion being connected. "At this point, there is no definitive link between the attack here in New Orleans and the one in Las Vegas. And again, I'll preface as I close, I'll preface everything with what I started with in the beginning, which was, this is very early in an investigation like this." Meanwhile, officials have identified the driver of the Tesla Cybertruck that blew up outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year's Daily Wire Deputy Managing Editor Tim Rice has the latest. Law enforcement says Colorado resident and Army veteran Matthew Lippelsberger rented the Tesla on Toro, then drove it up to the front of the hotel. Later, explosive devices in the bed detonated, killing the driver and injuring several people. Officials say the vehicle was packed with firework-style mortars, camping fuel, and a detonation device. Lippelsberger reportedly has several addresses in Colorado Springs, at least one of which was raided by officials late Wednesday. The suspect in a terror attack in New Orleans was also a military veteran, and the truck he used was also rented on Toro. President Biden convened his national security team today in order to get an update on the investigation into the terrorist attack in New Orleans. Last night, Biden gave brief remarks on the attack, saying he's called for an investigation and aid to the city at this time. "I directed my team to make sure every resource, every resource is made available to federal state and local law enforcement, to complete the investigation in New Orleans quickly and to make sure there is no remaining threat to the American people." Earlier in the day, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry visited Bourbon Street to tour the site of the attack. In a television appearance this morning, the governor said that while residents are mourning, they also will not let the heinous act conquer their spirit. "This morning, and I don't want to sing aloud just one new source, but I just happened to turn on boxing friends, and that was a young man who was interviewed, who was actually on Bourbon Street during this horrific act of terrorism, and they closed out by asking him whatnot. And I think he summed it up, he said, "Look, we can't live in fear, because fear will paralyze us." He said, "We come down to the city to enjoy ourselves, and to entertain ourselves, and to be with our friends, and with our families, because that's who we are." A former Princeton football player was among the 15 people killed in the attack in New Orleans. Martin Tiger Beck died in the hospital shortly after. Beck played wide receiver for the Princeton Tigers from 2016 to 2018, earning honors as a kick-returner, and winning two Ivy League championships. Beck's younger brother Jack posted a personal message to his brother on social media, writing quote, "Love you always, brother. You inspired me every day. Now you get to be with me in every moment. I got this family tea. Don't worry, this is for us." President Biden is honoring staunch Trump critic Liz Cheney for her work on the widely criticized January 6th committee, Daily Wire reporter Amanda Prestijakomo has the details. The president is giving Cheney along with Democrat Rep. Benny Thompson the presidential citizens' medal. That's the second highest civilian medal, and one intended only for those who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or for fellow citizens. Republicans say the move is yet more proof that the J6 committee was overtly political from the start. Cheney and Trump have frequently traded barbs, and the former Republican Congresswoman even went as far as joining Kamala Harris on her failed presidential campaign. And the New York Post is calling for accountability for journalists who, quote, "concealed or ignored President Biden's mental fitness," Daily Wire's senior reporter Mary Margaret Olahan reports. In a blistering editorial, the Post accused journalists of ignoring clear signs of Biden's struggles, and joining a, quote, "crustade to gaslight America." Concerns about Biden's health surged after viral moments of confusion, a Wall Street Journal report on his faltering demeanor, and a disastrous June debate performance. And while the White House refuses to give any validity to these reports, many liberal journalists have since admitted regret, calling their defense a Biden a major misstep. As trust in the media hits historic lows, the Post insists that those who tried to keep this under wraps must be held responsible. Those are your drive home updates this afternoon. To learn more about these stories, go to DailyWire.com. And for more in-depth reporting on the biggest stories of the day, tune in to our full episode of Morning Wire every morning. [MUSIC]