In the deadly attack in New Orleans that killed 10 people and injured dozens more, multiple sources have reported that the assailant was carrying an ISIS flag at the time of the attack, and FBI special agents are investigating Many are wondering why they confidently declared the attack to be Islamic State. At the initial stage of the investigation, it was ruled that this was not a terrorist incident.
Witnesses said the gunman was holding a “big black flag” from his truck at the time of the attack, which would match the description of an ISIS flag. The F.B.I. Since it was confirmed The flag was indeed an ISIS flag, leading many to harshly criticize the FBI's initial response to the attack, which flatly denied any connection to terrorism.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, in her earliest public comments after reports of the attack, told the media that the attack was a “terrorist attack.” However, she was quickly refuted by FBI Special Agent Althea Duncan, who confidently declared that this was “not a terrorist incident” and was clearly aware that the suspect had been driving. Nevertheless, the FBI maintained its public stance for a considerable period of time. A truck carrying explosives and flying an ISIS flag rammed into the crowd.
The FBI later reversed course and admitted it was investigating the incident as a terrorist attack. The FBI did not respond to requests for comment on why one of its agents publicly declared the attack not terroristic, despite significant evidence suggesting a terrorist motive.
The reaction drew harsh criticism from many prominent conservatives on Twitter, who viewed the suspect's apparent cover-up of support for ISIS as evidence of corruption within the FBI.
Others criticized the FBI for still not addressing how a senior FBI official at the scene could have made such a statement.
Authorities have not yet identified the suspect, but they suggest the suspect is a U.S. citizen born in Texas. No further information has yet been released other than confirming that he died at the scene.
This is a developing story and will be updated as conditions change.
