2 days Ago By [email protected] (Liv Clarke)
The UK Foreign Office has issued an update for British nationals following an attack in New Orleans where a pickup truck was driven into a crowd, killing 15 people during New Year’s Eve celebrations. A US Army veteran drove the vehicle around a police blockade and into a crowd of revellers, injuring dozens of people and killing 15. The driver, who was shot dead by police, was named as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar from Texas.
The pickup truck bore the flag of the Islamic State group and the FBI said it’s thought he did not act alone. US President Joe Biden said the attacker posted a video beforehand which indicated he was inspired by the so-called Islamic State group. The attack has been condemned by world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer.
He said: “The shockingly violent attack in New Orleans is horrific. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, the emergency responders and the people of the United States at this tragic time.” The police scene in New Orleans (Image: AP) Foreign Secretary David Lammy said consular officials in the US were on hand to help any British nationals affected.
“Our hearts go out to the people of New Orleans and to all those affected by this horrific attack,” he said. “The FBI are now investigating this as a terrorist incident – this is a fast-moving situation, and we continue to wait on further information.” Following the attack, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated its travel advice page for the USA .
It includes contact details for any British nationals in need of assistance. It says: “On 1 January, an individual drove a vehicle into a crowd of people in New Orleans. Any British nationals in need of assistance should call +1 202 588 6500 or visit contact.
service.csd.fcdo.
gov.uk/emergency-help. In the UK, call +44 (0) 20 7008 5000.
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