The New Orleans FBI field office and police department face scrutiny over their strong emphasis on diversity initiatives following a deadly terrorist incident on New Year's Day.
According to The Daily Caller, both agencies, known for their extensive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, are now leading the investigation into a terrorist attack that claimed at least 15 lives in the early hours of January 1, 2025.
The FBI's New Orleans division has consistently promoted diversity recruitment through social media campaigns and specialized events.
In May 2024, they announced a Diversity Agent Recruitment event aimed at attracting candidates from various backgrounds. The office's social media presence showcases its commitment to diversity through regular posts celebrating different heritage months and promoting inclusive hiring practices.
NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick's role extends beyond local law enforcement to include teaching diversity-related subjects at the FBI's Leadership Training Program.
Her background includes implementing equity-based decision-making during her tenure as Oakland Police Department chief, though her leadership there ended in termination without cause in 2020. The department's current investigation focuses on one of the deadliest attacks in recent New Orleans history.
The FBI New Orleans Field Office stated in their May 2024 press release:
The bureau would hold a Diversity Agent Recruitment (DAR) event to aid in their search for applicants with diverse backgrounds, skills, opinions, and perspectives.
The investigation has revealed crucial details about the perpetrator and the attack's execution. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas and former U.S. Army servicemember, drove a pickup truck through crowds on Bourbon Street during New Year's celebrations. Federal agents discovered an ISIS flag, weapons, and a potential improvised explosive device in his vehicle.
The incident resulted in at least 15 fatalities and 35 injuries, marking one of the most devastating attacks in the city's recent history. The FBI's preliminary findings indicate clear terrorist motivations, supported by evidence found at the scene. Jabbar did not survive the incident, though circumstances surrounding his death were not detailed in the initial reports.
The FBI provided updates through an official statement, emphasizing the ongoing nature of their investigation. The attack's timing during New Year's celebrations on the iconic Bourbon Street has heightened concerns about security during major public events. Local and federal authorities continue to gather evidence and analyze the suspect's background and possible connections.
The attack has prompted immediate responses from various stakeholders, including the NFL, which has upcoming events planned in the city. The incident's proximity to Super Bowl LIX, scheduled to take place in New Orleans, has raised additional security concerns. Federal authorities are conducting thorough reviews of security protocols for future large-scale events in the city.
The devastating terrorist attack in New Orleans' French Quarter during New Year's celebrations resulted in at least 15 deaths and dozens of injuries when Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a former U.S. Army servicemember, drove his vehicle through crowds on Bourbon Street.
The FBI's New Orleans Field Office and NOPD are leading the investigation, which has uncovered evidence linking the attack to ISIS, including flags and weapons found in the perpetrator's vehicle. The incident has sparked discussions about security measures for upcoming major events in the city, particularly the Super Bowl LIX.
