Sen. John Kennedy has cryptically threatened to “go after” federal officials “like they stole Christmas” if they don't tell the “truth” about the New Year's Day terrorist attack in New Orleans.
The Louisiana Republican was named after Shamsud Din Jabbar, an Army veteran who brandished an Islamic State flag as he killed at least 15 people with his vehicle on Bourbon Street and was later killed in a shootout with police. He said he had heard disturbing non-public information about the 42-year-old.
“There's a lot of information floating around. Some of it is actually true. Some of it isn't,” Kennedy said at a news conference with law enforcement on Wednesday afternoon.
“What I'm asking the federal government to do is to capture these people and then tell the American people the truth. I don't want them to tell me anything yet that would impede the investigation. And if I think it's the truth… “I've been told something, but I won't share it today because it might hinder the investigation,” he continued.
Follow the latest updates on the Bourbon Street terrorist attack in New Orleans.
“But once we get to the bottom of this, they need to tell the American people the truth, the people of New Orleans the truth, and the American people the truth.”
Kennedy also warned: “I promise you this: At the appropriate time, once this investigation is complete, we will reveal what happened and who was responsible. Otherwise, I will raise a new hell and We're going to go after the people in the federal government.''They're responsible for telling us what happened, like they stole Christmas.'' ”
Live updates: Everything you need to know about the New Orleans terrorist attack
Authorities say Din Jabbar, a U.S.-born Texas resident, may not have acted alone.
The FBI said the vehicle appears to have been rented by Din Jabbar from its owner.
