NPR’s Up First: Comprehensive Summary of January 4, 2025 Episode

Host: Eric Deggans and Ayesha Rascoe
Episode Title: Latest On New Orleans Attack; New Congress Comes Into Session; Carter's Funeral
Release Date: January 4, 2025

1. Deadly Attack in New Orleans: FBI Investigation and ISIS Connection

The episode opens with urgent updates on the tragic New Year's Day attack in New Orleans, where a pickup truck was driven into a celebratory crowd, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 individuals. Eric Deggans introduces the story by stating, “[...] the FBI continues to investigate the deadly attack in New Orleans” (00:03).

Ayesha Rascoe adds context by highlighting the search for potential connections between this incident and a separate cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas: “They've also been looking into a possible link between that attack and the cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas” (00:06).

NPR Justice Correspondent Ryan Lucas provides an in-depth analysis of the New Orleans attack. He identifies the perpetrator as Shamsuddin Jabbar, a Texas-born U.S. citizen and Army veteran with a background in human resources and IT. Jabbar’s personal struggles, including severe financial difficulties and multiple divorces, appear to have contributed to his radicalization. Lucas explains, “The FBI has said that Jabbar was inspired to carry out this attack by the Islamic State terrorist group” (02:12).

Jabbar had uploaded several videos shortly before the attack, expressing his allegiance to ISIS and detailing his motives. In one video, he stated he initially planned to harm his family but shifted his focus to the broader “war between the believers and the disbelievers” (02:12). Evidence such as an ISIS flag found on his truck corroborates these claims. The FBI currently believes Jabbar acted alone, dismissing initial speculations of accomplices.

Ryan Lucas further clarifies the distinction between directed and inspired terrorist attacks: “In a directed attack, a terrorist organization is in contact with a person or a cell of people [...] In an inspired attack, [...] an individual [...] can say, watch or read ISIS propaganda online [...] and then decide to carry out violence to act in the group's name on their own” (03:31). He emphasizes the challenges in preventing such lone-wolf attacks, noting their decentralized nature makes them difficult for agencies to intercept.

Lucas also touches upon the broader landscape of terrorism in the U.S., noting that while terrorism may not dominate headlines as it did post-9/11, the threat remains persistent. “FBI Director Christopher Ray has warned about the danger posed in particular by what the FBI calls homegrown violent extremists” (05:52). Recent years have seen the Justice Department foiling several ISIS-related plots, underscoring the ongoing vigilance required.

2. Separate Incident: Las Vegas Cybertruck Explosion

Transitioning to the cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas, Lucas reports that authorities currently find “no evidence that those two incidents are linked in any way” (06:03). The driver, Matthew Leibelsberger, a decorated U.S. Army Green Beret, tragically died in the explosion, which appears to be a case of suicide intertwined with potential mental health struggles, including PTSD. Investigators cite Leibelsberger’s writings expressing a sense of America’s impending collapse and his desire to cleanse himself of past burdens as indicative of his mental state (06:03).

3. Congressional Leadership and New Session Dynamics

As Congress commenced its new session on Friday, significant tensions emerged within the Republican Party regarding the House Speaker position. Eric Deggans highlights that Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson barely retained his position amidst a narrow majority.

NPR Congressional Correspondent Deirdre Walsh relays insights from Senator John Thune, who explains the political maneuvering that secured Johnson’s reelection:

“It took some heavy lobbying and critically, the help of President elect Donald Trump to get Johnson over the line. [...] Initially, there were two other Republicans, Ralph Norman of South Carolina and Keith Self of Texas, who voted for people other than Johnson. [...] They both came back and dramatically changed their votes so he could win on the first ballot” (07:54).

John Thune underscores the pivotal role of former President Trump in preventing protracted delays in electing the Speaker, which was crucial for the House to proceed with other legislative business, including the certification of the 2024 election results.

Speaker Mike Johnson has declared his administration’s priorities, with a strong emphasis on border security:

“We will act quickly and we will start by defending our nation's borders” (09:06).

The House Republicans have outlined plans to address border security through legislative packages that include measures such as cutting federal funding for "sanctuary cities." With the Senate now also under Republican control, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is coordinating closely with Trump and Johnson to advance these priorities. He mentions:

“Thune is already hard at work drafting an initial legislative package he plans to move using special rules that get around a Democratic filibuster [...] He wants to do border security first” (10:34).

Thune’s legislative agenda includes energy policies and a separate tax bill slated for later in 2025, aligning closely with former President Trump’s objectives. This coordinated effort aims to leverage the unified Republican majority in both chambers to pass significant policy changes.

4. Farewell to Former President Jimmy Carter

The episode also covers the comprehensive funeral arrangements for former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100. Deirdre Walsh provides detailed coverage of the events spearheaded by Grant Blankenship of Georgia Public Broadcasting:

The funeral begins with a motorcade in Americus, Georgia, moving to Plains, and culminating at Carter's family farm. Symbolism is deeply embedded in the proceedings, including the tolling of an iron farm bell 39 times, representing Carter’s connection to the community and his legacy as the 39th President of the United States:

“In the south, family farms typically had an iron bell. [...] on a farm, the bell was the signal that work was done and it was time to come home” (12:15).

Participants in the procession include members of the Carter family, former White House staff, and old friends. The route is expected to draw large crowds eager to pay their respects. Ben Gray, a Georgia photojournalist, is documenting the events, emphasizing the historical significance and choreographed nature of the funeral rites.

Following the motorcade, Carter’s body will lie in repose at the Carter Center in Atlanta until Tuesday, after which it will be flown to Washington, D.C., to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol until Thursday. The state funeral will include dignitaries such as President Biden, members of Congress, and President-elect Donald Trump, symbolizing Carter’s enduring impact on both national and global stages.

The final farewell will take place at Carter’s home church, Maranatha Baptist, in Plains. This intimate ceremony will allow family and close friends to say their final goodbyes, concluding with his interment beside his wife, Rosalynn Carter.

Conclusion

This episode of Up First from NPR provides a thorough overview of significant events shaping early January 2025. From the tragic New Orleans attack linked to ISIS-inspired lone-wolf terrorism and the separate cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas, to the fraught beginnings of a new Congressional session under Republican leadership, the podcast delivers timely and detailed news coverage. Additionally, the heartfelt coverage of former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral underscores the nation's reflection on his legacy. With engaging narratives and expert insights, this summary encapsulates the key discussions and developments presented in the episode.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Ryan Lucas on Shamsuddin Jabbar's Motivation:
  “[...] Jabbar was inspired to carry out this attack by the Islamic State terrorist group” (02:12)

• Ryan Lucas on Directed vs. Inspired Attacks:
  “In a directed attack, a terrorist organization is in contact with a person or a cell of people... In an inspired attack, [...] an individual [...] can [...] decide to carry out violence to act in the group's name on their own” (03:31)

• John Thune on Speaker Johnson's Reelection:
  “[...] they both came back and dramatically changed their votes so he could win on the first ballot” (07:54)

• Mike Johnson on Border Security Priority:
  “We will act quickly and we will start by defending our nation's borders” (09:06)

• Senate Majority Leader John Thune on Legislative Agenda:
  “[...] drafting an initial legislative package [...] He wants to do border security first” (10:34)

This structured summary ensures that listeners, as well as those who did not tune in, can grasp the essential narratives and developments discussed in the episode. Notable quotes are highlighted with precise timestamps to provide additional context and reference points.