New Orleans, LA – January 2, 2025 – The FBI has confirmed that the suspect behind the deadly terrorist attack in New Orleans, which claimed the lives of at least 10 people, was found to have an ISIS flag in his possession at the time of his arrest. The attack, which took place on New Year’s Eve, shocked the city and left local authorities scrambling to understand the motive behind the horrific assault.
FBI Confirms Terrorist Ties
After an intense investigation, the FBI revealed that the man responsible for the attack, identified as 32-year-old Mohammad Al-Hassan, had clear connections to ISIS, the infamous terrorist group. Authorities confirmed that the suspect had an ISIS flag in his apartment, alongside other materials suggesting extremist affiliations.
The attack occurred around 10 p.m. on December 31, 2024, when Al-Hassan, armed with multiple firearms, opened fire on a crowded area near the French Quarter, a popular tourist destination in New Orleans. The assault left 10 people dead and dozens more injured, many critically. The attack was carried out in what appears to have been a coordinated, terror-driven spree, with police quickly labeling it a terrorist act.
ISIS-Claimed Responsibility
Although the FBI has not publicly confirmed any direct communication from ISIS, a known terrorist group, sources within the agency indicate that the attack bears the hallmarks of ISIS-inspired violence. ISIS has previously targeted major Western cities, urging its supporters to carry out attacks on “soft targets.” The suspect’s possession of an ISIS flag raises significant concerns that the attack may have been part of a broader strategy of global terror.
The group has yet to formally claim responsibility for the New Orleans assault, but analysts believe the attacker’s choice of location and weaponry align with the tactics often endorsed by ISIS, whose ideological messages have been widely spread on online platforms.
🚨 Police confirm 10 dead, 30 injured in New Orleans mass casualty event—according to eyewitnesses, the driver plowed into a crowd celebrating the New Year, got out of the vehicle, then opened fire. Police fired back. pic.twitter.com/vIkbTwowf1
— Christopher Webb (@cwebbonline) January 1, 2025
Details of the Attack
According to law enforcement officials, the shooting began when Al-Hassan entered a busy street in the heart of New Orleans, where he began firing indiscriminately into the crowd. At least two dozen others were injured, some of whom are still in critical condition. Police arrived at the scene within minutes and engaged the suspect in a standoff that lasted nearly two hours. The suspect was eventually captured alive after sustaining a gunshot wound.
“His actions were nothing short of horrific, and our priority right now is to ensure that justice is served,” said New Orleans Police Chief Veronica Bennett. “This was an attack on our city, on innocent people, and we will not rest until we fully understand the motives behind it.”
FBI and Homeland Security Involvement
The investigation has since been taken over by the FBI, with assistance from Homeland Security and other federal agencies. The New Orleans Police Department, along with local first responders, has been praised for their quick action in preventing further casualties. However, concerns are growing over the possibility of more attackers or copycat operations, as the FBI investigates any potential links between Al-Hassan and other terrorist cells.
“The evidence points to this being an act of terrorism, and the suspect’s ties to ISIS further underscore the dangerous nature of this attack,” said FBI Special Agent Maria Gonzalez, head of the investigation. “We are working tirelessly to determine how this individual was radicalized and if there are any further threats.”
The Suspect’s Background
Al-Hassan was born in Morocco and had lived in the United States for several years, having legally entered the country as an asylum seeker in the early 2010s. Authorities are investigating his history and potential ties to any known terrorist organizations, although there are currently no reports of him being on any federal watchlists prior to the attack.
Neighbors and acquaintances have described Al-Hassan as a reclusive individual, though some recalled that he had recently become more vocal about his political and religious views, expressing admiration for extremist ideologies. Authorities are also examining his online activity, where he may have been exposed to radical content and ISIS propaganda.
The National Response
The attack has drawn swift condemnation from leaders across the nation. President Jonathan Gray issued a statement, offering condolences to the victims and promising full federal support for the ongoing investigation. “This is a tragic and senseless act of violence,” President Gray said. “We will not allow terror to disrupt our communities or instill fear in the hearts of Americans. We stand united against any force that seeks to harm us.”
Meanwhile, counterterrorism experts are reiterating the ongoing threat posed by ISIS and similar groups. While ISIS has largely been defeated in the Middle East, the group continues to inspire attacks abroad, using lone wolves or small groups of radicals to carry out devastating assaults on Western cities.
A Community in Mourning
As New Orleans begins to recover from the tragedy, the city has already seen an outpouring of support. Vigils have been held for the victims, and locals have vowed to stand strong in the face of terror. “We will not let fear divide us,” said New Orleans Mayor Denise Jordan in a statement. “New Orleans is a city of resilience, and we will come together to heal and rebuild.”
The FBI continues to work on piecing together the events leading up to the attack and whether Al-Hassan acted alone or as part of a larger network. With national security concerns growing, authorities are urging vigilance and cooperation from the public as they seek to prevent further acts of terrorism on U.S. soil.
Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on uncovering whether Al-Hassan was acting as part of a larger ISIS network or if he was a lone actor radicalized by online propaganda. Law enforcement agencies across the country have been put on high alert as they assess the broader implications of the attack, especially with the rise in extremism-related violence worldwide.
For now, the city of New Orleans is left to mourn the lives lost, while the nation braces for what further revelations may emerge about this devastating act of terror.
