An Islamic State flag, weapons and a “potential” improvised explosive found in the truck that plowed through crowds in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, killing at least 15 people, have raised the specter that the international terrorist group played a role in the attack.
President Biden said on Wednesday night that he was told by the F.B.I. that before the attack, the driver posted videos on social media “mere hours” beforehand “indicating that he was inspired by ISIS — especially the desire to kill.”
Law enforcement officials said on Wednesday that they were trying to determine the suspect’s potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations, including the Islamic State. Counterterrorism specialists pointed to several telltale signs.
“By carrying an ISIS flag with him during the attack, the suspect wanted to show that he was a true believer, aligned with the ISIS cause, and perhaps hoping to trigger others into following suit,” said Colin P. Clarke, a counterterrorism analyst at the Soufan Group, a security consulting firm based in New York.
Mr. Clarke said the attack was a fairly sophisticated assault, given the multiple layers involved: truck ramming, firearms and improvised explosive devices.
“This horrific attack is a painful reminder of how effective ISIS propaganda is at inspiring violent extremists, including many living in the West,” he said.