Allstate CEO Tom Wilson released a video statement Thursday about Wednesday's terrorist attack in New Orleans that killed more than a dozen people, sparking a storm of backlash on social media.
Wilson's statement comes after the game at the Sugar Bowl, where Allstate is the official corporate sponsor, was postponed to Thursday due to the attack. Wilson suggested in the video that Americans are “addicted to conflict” and need to “accept people's imperfections and differences.”
“Our prayers go out to the victims and their families. We also need to come together and become stronger by overcoming our addiction to discord and negative thoughts. All across the United States Join Allstate as we work in our communities to amplify positivity, increase trust, and embrace people's flaws and differences. Together, we win,” Wilson said in the video. Ta.
Mr Wilson's words sparked outrage among social media users. The suspect was identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar. The FBI is working to determine Jabbar's “potential ties or ties to terrorist organizations” after an ISIS flag was found on his truck.
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Political activist Charlie Kirk criticized Mr Wilson's comments amid allegations of Mr Jabbar's links to ISIS.
Sean Davis, CEO and co-founder of conservative magazine The Federalist, suggested it's time to cancel Allstate's insurance plans.
Sports content creator John Root criticized Wilson and mocked his comments.
Superdome welcomes Sugar Bowl fans after terrorist attack in New Orleans
Personal injury attorney Adam Lowy not only condemned Wilson's comments, but also criticized Allstate as a company in response to the controversy.
A small group of other social media users have also expressed their dissatisfaction with Wilson and announced their intention to terminate their insurance plans.
“What was Allstate? think about that statement[?] I just canceled my insurance and registered with State Farm,” one user wrote.
“That limp wrist Allstate Commercials about terrorist attacks just wanted to know I wouldn't give them my job,” another person wrote.
And one user even called the commercial “the worst, most ill-conceived of the college football season.”
Allstate issued a statement to Fox News Digital in response to the backlash.
“Let me be clear: Allstate CEO Tom Wilson unequivocally condemns this heinous act of terrorism and violence in all its forms. 's loved ones, and the community of New Orleans. The reference to Overcoming Divide and Negativity is a broader effort to foster trust and positivity in communities across the country,” the statement reads.
Jabbar's brother told the New York Times He and his Army veteran brother were raised as Christians in Beaumont, Texas, and the now-deceased attacker converted to Islam as an adult, he said.
“His actions do not represent Islam,” his brother said. “This is not a religion, it's a type of radicalization.”
Former FBI agents Scott Duffy and Chris Swecker told Fox News Digital that Wednesday's attack could embolden ISIS, other terrorist organizations or radicalized individuals.
“This is a time when ISIS is under extreme stress and its presence in Syria and elsewhere is threatened. It would make sense to double down on the message of energizing the organization' places,” Swecker said.
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Days before the attack, pro-ISIS media outlets called on Muslims living in the United States, Europe, and Russia to carry out attacks on New Year's Eve.
A translated version of the post reads: “Dear monotheists of Europe, America, Russia, and other crusading lands, we know that you are eager to join your brothers in the crusading lands; has been cut off,” it says. on sunday. “The crusaders are among you, their safety is prolonged, and your brothers are being killed.
The post went on to say, “It's time to unsheath the sword and strangle the horse where Allah loves and pleases.” “They are preparing for a polytheistic festival, so turn their feast into sorrow and their joy into disaster.”
The paper asked Muslims, or “crusaders,” if they felt safe in their homes while their brothers and sisters were held in detention centers and concentration camps, and said: “We have repeatedly attacked them and “Pass called for people to repeat their era.'' “
The attack in New Orleans occurred nearly two weeks after the suspect was attacked. terrorist attack At a Christmas market in Germany.
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