The President's Daily Brief: January 2nd, 2025 Afternoon Bulletin

Hosted by Mike Baker | Released January 2, 2025

Introduction

In this edition of The President's Daily Brief (PDB) Afternoon Bulletin, former CIA Operations Officer Mike Baker delves into two significant and tragic events that unfolded on New Year's Day, 2025: a devastating terror attack in New Orleans and a suspicious explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck in Las Vegas. These incidents have not only shocked the nation but also raised critical questions about national security and the effectiveness of current preventive measures.

Terror Attack in New Orleans

Details of the Attack

On the early hours of New Year's Day, specifically at 3:15 AM, a horrifying attack occurred on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, one of the most renowned destinations for New Year's Eve celebrations. A U.S. Army veteran, Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, from Texas, orchestrated the assault by driving a pickup truck adorned with an ISIS flag through a bustling crowd of revelers.

Casualties and Immediate Aftermath

The attack resulted in 14 fatalities and 30 injuries, including two police officers who were shot during the ensuing confrontation. Jabbar, after crashing the truck, exited the vehicle and opened fire on the police, leading to his own death.

Background and Motives

Investigations revealed that Jabbar had pledged allegiance to ISIS, as evidenced by five videos he posted on social media shortly before the attack, expressing a "desire to kill" ([04:30]). According to the Associated Press, Jabbar had recently converted to Islam and exhibited erratic behavior, further fueling concerns about his radicalization.

FBI's Findings and Response

Initially, the FBI suspected that Jabbar might not have acted alone. However, subsequent investigations led them to conclude that he acted alone, despite the presence of ISIS flags and explosive devices in his vehicle. The FBI remains vigilant, monitoring for any additional threats and urging the public to provide any pertinent information ([05:45]).

Security Lapses and Official Criticism

The attack has spotlighted significant lapses in security measures during major public events in New Orleans. Police Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick addressed the shortcomings, stating, "We did indeed have a plan, but the terrorist defeated it" ([03:50]) and "This is not just an act of terrorism, this is evil." ([04:00]). The absence of effective barricades, due to ongoing repairs for the Super Bowl preparations, allowed Jabbar to circumvent security barriers, highlighting the inadequacies in the current security infrastructure.

Impact on Public Events

In the wake of the attack, city officials postponed the Sugar Bowl college football playoff game scheduled for January 2nd, which was to take place less than a mile from the attack site. Bourbon Street was subsequently reopened with enhanced security measures in place to safeguard ongoing investigations and future events.

Tesla Cybertruck Explosion in Las Vegas

Incident Overview

Later on the same day, a Tesla Cybertruck loaded with fuel canisters and over a dozen firework mortars exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas just before 9:00 AM. The explosion resulted in the death of the driver, Matthew Liversberger, an active-duty Army Green Beret stationed in Germany, and injured seven others.

Investigation into the Explosion

The FBI is investigating whether this incident is an act of terrorism and if there is any connection to the earlier attack in New Orleans. Both incidents involved vehicles rented through the peer-to-peer car-sharing service, Turo, prompting federal investigators to explore the possibility of a coordinated effort. However, as of the latest reports, the FBI has stated, "There is no definitive link between the two incidents." ([06:30]).

Perpetrator's Profile

Matthew Liversberger had rented the Cybertruck in Denver before driving it to the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. Authorities have not yet disclosed any motives behind the explosion, but the choice of location raises questions, especially considering President Elect Trump's recent appointment of Tesla CEO Elon Musk to co-lead a presidential advisory commission on Government Efficiency.

Statements from Law Enforcement

The Sheriff of the Las Vegas Police Department commented on the incident, stating, "Obviously a Cybertruck at the Trump Hotel. There are lots of questions that we have to answer," indicating ongoing investigations into potential motives and connections ([07:00]).

Potential Links and Broader Implications

Both the New Orleans and Las Vegas incidents share common elements, including the use of rented vehicles through Turo and the execution of high-impact attacks in prominent public venues. While the FBI has not confirmed any direct link, the similarities have intensified scrutiny over potential coordinated terrorist activities.

The international implications, especially concerning ISIS's possible involvement, are being thoroughly examined. The presence of multiple explosive devices suggests a more complex operation, although concrete evidence supporting this theory remains forthcoming.

Conclusion

The dual tragedies of January 1st, 2025, underscore the persistent and evolving threats of terrorism within the United States. The incidents have exposed vulnerabilities in security planning for major public events and have sparked fear and uncertainty nationwide. As investigations continue, the nation remains on high alert, grappling with the immediate impacts and the long-term need for enhanced security measures to prevent future attacks.

Mike Baker concludes the bulletin by emphasizing the need for vigilance and resilience in the face of such challenges, urging listeners to stay informed and safe during these tumultuous times.

Notable Quotes:

• Ann Kirkpatrick, New Orleans Police Superintendent:

  • "We did indeed have a plan, but the terrorist defeated it." ([04:00])
  • "This is not just an act of terrorism, this is evil." ([04:05])

• Sheriff of Las Vegas Police Department:

  • "Obviously a Cybertruck at the Trump Hotel. There are lots of questions that we have to answer." ([07:10])

• FBI Deputy Assistant Director:

  • "This was an act of terrorism. It was premeditated and an evil act." ([04:20])

For further information and ongoing updates, listeners are encouraged to stay tuned to future episodes of The President's Daily Brief.