US authorities assessed no ‘credible threat’ to New Orleans ahead of New Year attack
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People near the site of the New Year's Day attack in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Jan 2.
PHOTO: REUTERS
WASHINGTON – The US authorities assessed no “credible threat” to New Orleans’ New Year events prior to an attack early on Jan 1 that killed at least 15 people, according to a joint Louisiana and New Orleans police threat assessment obtained by Reuters.
The document is dated December 2024 and notes there was no credible threat from international terrorists, home-grown violent extremists or domestic violent extremists.
The document notes that “unaffiliated lone offenders and home-grown violent extremists” are of particular concern because of their ability to “remain undetected until operational”.
The police departments also say that foreign terrorist organisations and their affiliates “continue to call on individuals to conduct independent attacks in the US” using improvised explosive devices and vehicles.
The New Orleans Police Department and the Louisiana State Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment. REUTERS
