The Government of Eswatini has extended its deepest condolences to the United States of America following a tragic vehicle incident in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, which claimed the lives of 15 individuals.
In a heartfelt statement, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini expressed the nation’s profound sorrow over the incident, describing it as a “heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the impact of senseless violence.
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” Speaking on behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty the Queen Mother, and the people of Eswatini, the Prime Minister conveyed solidarity with the U.S. government and its citizens during this time of grief.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who met an untimely passing, those that were injured by this horrific act, as well as with first responders who bravely rushed to the scene to provide assistance,” the Prime Minister stated.
He commended the courage and dedication of emergency responders who acted swiftly in the face of tragedy.
Media reports stated that a man intentionally drove a pickup truck into a crowd of revellers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter in a deadly rampage early on New Year’s Day.
At least 14 people were killed before the attacker died in a shootout with police, officials said. Dozens of others were injured in the attack.
A black ISIS flag was flying from the truck’s rear bumper, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation called the attack an act of terrorism.
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The man driving the vehicle was identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen from Texas, the FBI said. In televised remarks, President Joe Biden said the FBI had determined that just hours before the attack, Jabbar “posted videos to social media indicating that he was inspired by ISIS, expressing a desire to kill.”
The vehicle was an electric Ford pickup truck that appears to have been rented, the FBI said. Texas Lt. Gov.
Dan Patrick said on social media Jabbar rented the truck on Dec. 30, while living in the Houston area, before heading to New Orleans.