Thu Jan 02 21:10:05 UTC 2025: ## Pope Mourns New Orleans Terror Attack, While Authorities Investigate Potential Links to Las Vegas Explosion
**New Orleans, LA –** Pope Francis expressed deep sorrow over the deadly New Orleans terror attack that claimed 15 lives and injured dozens on January 1st. In a telegram to Archbishop Gregory Aymond, the Pope offered his condolences and prayers, commending the victims to God’s mercy and assuring the city of his spiritual closeness.
The attack involved a 42-year-old Texas native and US Army veteran, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who drove a rented pickup truck into a crowd in the French Quarter. Jabbar was killed in a subsequent shootout with police. Authorities, however, believe multiple individuals may have been involved. An Islamic State flag was discovered in the truck, and President Biden has attributed the attack to ISIS inspiration.
Archbishop Aymond described the incident as a sign of utter disrespect for human life and praised the bravery of law enforcement and medical personnel.
The tragedy unfolded on the same day a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, resulting in one fatality and seven injuries. The FBI is investigating both incidents to determine if they are connected, and whether the Las Vegas explosion constitutes a separate act of terrorism.
First Piper 