The FBI is facing significant criticism after it initially claimed that a truck-ramming incident on Bourbon Street in New Orleans — which resulted in at least ten fatalities and more than twenty injuries — was “not a terrorist event.”
At around 3:17 a.m., local law enforcement responded to the scene where a suspect had driven a vehicle into a crowd of New Year’s celebrants before opening fire. The FBI later confirmed that the suspect was deceased.
Nevertheless, the FBI is being criticized for its initial statement that the attack was “not a terrorist event.” This has raised questions, especially considering the agency acknowledged the presence of “improvised explosive devices” at the scene.
“This is not a terrorist event. What it is right now is there improvised explosive devices that was found, and we are working on confirming if this is a viable device or not,” the FBI stated at the time.
“As Chief Kirkpatrick said, we’re asking everyone to stay away from Bourbon Street,” the FBI added, which only added to the confusion.
This position later seemed to contradict an official clarification from the FBI, which updated its stance, stating that it was “working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism.”
President Joe Biden also weighed in, confirming the shift in approach. In a statement, he said, “The FBI is taking the lead in the investigation and is investigating this incident as an act of terrorism.”