FBI declines to say whether or not it can hearth, self-discipline agent who stated assault was ‘not a terrorist occasion’

The FBI has remained silent on whether or not it can hearth or self-discipline the agent who initially instructed the media and public that the surprising New 12 months’s Day assault in New Orleans was “not a terrorist occasion,” earlier than the company rapidly backtracked and reported the assault was in truth below investigation as a terror incident. 

Fox Information Digital reached out to the FBI’s press workplace and press secretary on Thursday and Friday, inquiring whether or not New Orleans discipline workplace FBI Assistant Particular Agent in Cost Alethea Duncan would face termination or disciplinary motion over her preliminary declare the assault was not related to terrorism, however didn’t obtain replies. Fox Digital additionally referred to as the FBI press workplace on Friday morning however couldn’t go away a message relating to the inquiry because the voicemail field was full. 

After chaos unfolded on Bourbon Road early Wednesday morning as New 12 months’s revelers celebrated the vacation, Duncan spoke throughout a press convention, declaring the assault was not related to terrorism. 

“We’ll be taking up the investigative lead for this occasion. This isn’t a terrorist occasion,” Duncan stated in the course of the presser. 

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FBI Particular Agent Aletha Duncan tells the general public in a press convention that the assault in New Orleans was not associated to terrorism. (Reuters)

Throughout that very same press convention, nevertheless, the mayor of New Orleans instructed the media and public that town did in truth endure a terror assault. 

“Know that the metropolis of New Orleans was impacted by a terrorist assault. It is all nonetheless below investigation,” Mayor LaToya Cantrell, a Democrat who has served within the position since 2018, stated on the presser. 

On Thursday, the FBI responded to Fox Digital’s request for remark relating to criticisms surrounding Duncan’s preliminary evaluation that the assault was not related to terrorism, detailing to Fox Digital that, on the day of the assault, the FBI launched three totally different statements that every one stated that the FBI was investigating the incident as an act of terrorism. 

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“This morning, a person drove a automotive right into a crowd of individuals on Bourbon Road in New Orleans, killing plenty of folks and injuring dozens of others. The topic then engaged with native legislation enforcement and is now deceased. The FBI is the lead investigative company, and we’re working with our companions to analyze this as an act of terrorism,” the FBI stated in one of many statements offered to Fox Digital. 

Duncan additionally stated in subsequent press conferences that the assault is being investigated as an act of terror. 

The FBI confirmed this week that the suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, had an ISIS flag in his truck on the time of the assault. The FBI added Thursday that Jabbar had been “impressed” by ISIS however that they haven’t discovered any proof that he was directed by ISIS to hold out the rampage. 

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry speaks to the media throughout a press convention on Jan. 1, 2025 in New Orleans. (Photograph by Chris Graythen/Getty Pictures)

Jabbar, a 42-year-old Military veteran from Texas, was killed after exchanging gunfire with police after plowing a truck by way of crowds of individuals. 

‘WHEN THEY FAIL, AMERICANS DIE’: TRUMP SOURCE BLASTS FBI, URGES SWIFT CONFIRMATION OF KASH PATEL AS DIRECTOR

Conservative lawmakers, Trump allies and voters have slammed the FBI for its dealing with of the investigation, together with Republican Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn, arguing that the FBI has put a heightened concentrate on DEI practices relatively than combating crime. 

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“The FBI has a no-fail mission. There is no such thing as a room for error. After they fail, People die. It is a necessity that Kash Patel will get confirmed ASAP,” a supply near President-elect Donald Trump added in criticism to Fox Information Digital on Thursday morning.