Terror, War, and Shootings Worldwide on New Year's Day... Numerous Casualties Reported

15 Dead in Truck Attack in New Orleans, USA... Terrorism Suspected
1,000 Houses Burned in France Arson
12 Dead in Gaza Strip Airstrikes

From the first day of the new year, incidents such as terrorism, war, shootings, and fires occurred worldwide, resulting in numerous casualties.

At around 3:15 a.m. local time on the 1st, a pickup truck rammed into Bourbon Street, a busy area in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. The New York Times (NYT) and The Guardian cited Dr. Dwight McKenna, the New Orleans coroner, reporting that at least 15 people died in the incident. So far, 35 injuries have been confirmed.

New Orleans vehicle ramming incident site. Photo by Reuters and Yonhap News.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the suspect is 42-year-old Shamsud Dean Jabar. He was confirmed to be a U.S. citizen born in the United States, originally from Texas, and a retired U.S. military member.

The FBI stated that an ISIS (Islamic State, the name used by the U.S. for IS) flag was found in the suspect’s vehicle. Additionally, several devices suspected to be improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were discovered on the truck used in the attack and at the scene.

The FBI has classified the incident as an "act of terrorism" and is investigating with a focus on the possibility of accomplices. They are examining whether the suspect’s political or religious views motivated the crime and if there is any connection to terrorist organizations.

At around 8:40 a.m. on the same day in Las Vegas, Nevada, a fire broke out in a Tesla Cybertruck parked in the valet parking area of the Trump International Hotel, resulting in one death and seven injuries.

The exact cause of the fire is unknown, but videos taken by witnesses show the vehicle exploding and flames rising. One witness testified that they heard three explosions.

Authorities are investigating without ruling out the possibility of terrorism. They are also reviewing any connections to the vehicle terror incident that occurred earlier that day in New Orleans.

At around midnight, in a residential area of Honolulu, Hawaii, an explosion of a flammable substance presumed to be fireworks killed at least three people and injured 20. The specific cause of the accident has not been disclosed.

In France, a series of arson incidents occurred nationwide, burning 1,000 vehicles. Authorities arrested 420 people on suspicion of setting vehicles on fire and detained 310.

In Denmark, a man in his 20s died due to a fireworks accident on New Year's. Additionally, about 20 people were injured nationwide during New Year’s fireworks events.

Across Germany, at least five people died while playing with fireworks on New Year’s Day. The use of banned fireworks caused the windows of 36 houses to break, forcing residents to evacuate.

In Cetinje, the former capital of Montenegro in southeastern Europe, a shooting incident resulted in at least seven deaths. According to local media RTCG, the suspect fired a gun in a bar following a dispute, causing casualties. The suspect then moved to another location and killed the bar owner’s children and a woman.

In the Gaza Strip, the war continues even on the first day of the new year. According to the Associated Press (AP), at least 12 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike on the Gaza Strip that day.