Senator John Kennedy, a Republican from Louisiana, has made a bold promise: if the FBI doesn’t share the full details of their investigation into the deadly terror attack in New Orleans, he will “raise fresh hell.” The incident, which took place on New Year’s Eve, has left the city shaken, and Kennedy is determined to get answers.
In a press conference, Kennedy told reporters, “Once the FBI finishes their investigation, working alongside local police and Homeland Security, they will let you know what happened. I can promise you that. But if they don’t, I’m going to make some noise.” Kennedy is giving the FBI the benefit of the doubt while they focus on catching the remaining suspects involved.
Why It’s Important Trust in the FBI has plummeted over recent years. According to Gallup, just 41% of Americans believe the agency is doing a good job, marking a significant drop from a decade ago. Historically, Republicans have been more supportive of the FBI, but in the wake of events like the Mueller investigation and the FBI’s involvement in the Trump-related inquiries, many Republicans have become more skeptical.
The Attack That Shook New Orleans The terror attack in the French Quarter, one of New Orleans’ busiest areas, left 10 people dead and more than 30 injured when a truck rammed into a crowd of New Year’s Eve revelers. The suspect, 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, opened fire on officers after his truck came to a stop, leading to a fatal exchange of gunfire with police.
The FBI has confirmed that the attack was an act of terrorism, with an ISIS flag found on Jabbar’s truck. Surveillance footage also showed a group of individuals placing explosive devices in the area. The FBI is continuing to investigate and is looking into potential connections to terrorist organizations.
Senator Kennedy’s Warning Senator Kennedy isn’t holding back. He said that the FBI must share its findings with the public once the investigation concludes. “This attack was evil, and we need answers,” he stated. “I will raise hell if they don’t give the public the information they deserve.”
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas also condemned the attack, calling it “abhorrent” and emphasizing that it is being investigated as terrorism. He expressed his support for the victims and their families.
What’s Next? The FBI is leading the investigation, and they believe the attacker wasn’t acting alone. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in identifying any additional suspects. Meanwhile, certain parts of the French Quarter remain blocked off, as officials continue their investigation.
Kennedy and other lawmakers are making it clear: the public deserves to know what happened. The FBI is under pressure to be transparent, and if they fail to meet those expectations, they can expect some serious scrutiny from lawmakers like Kennedy.
As the investigation continues, the people of New Orleans—and the nation—are waiting for answers. Will the FBI deliver? Only time will tell.
