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Perpetrator of New Orleans attack had IS flag, terrorist links being investigated — FBI

The IS flag was located in the vehicle and the FBI is working to determine the subject's potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations

WASHINGTON, January 1. /TASS/. The perpetrator of the terrorist attack in New Orleans (Louisiana) carried a flag of the terrorist organization Islamic State (IS, banned in Russia) and his suspected connections with terrorists are being investigated the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has told TASS.

The IS flag "was located in the vehicle and the FBI is working to determine the subject's potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations, " the Bureau said. "Weapons and a potential improvised explosive device (IED) were located in the subject’s vehicle. Other potential IEDs were also located in the French Quarter. The FBI’s Special Agent Bomb Technicians are working with our law enforcement partners to determine, if any of these devices are viable and they will work to render those devices safe."

On New Year's Eve, at approximately 3:15 a.m. local time an individual drove a pickup truck into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing at least 10 and injuring 35 others. After hitting the crowd, he exited the vehicle and fired upon local law enforcement. Law enforcement returned fire and the subject was pronounced deceased at the scene, the FBI said.

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