Media coverage of the New Year’s Eve attack in New Orleans has drawn sharp criticism from Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who argued that the incident should be classified as an act of war.
“The barbaric, cowardly attack, inspired by ISIS, highlights how far America has strayed from recognizing we are in a state of war with radical Islamic forces,” Graham posted on Thursday via the social platform X.
Authorities identified the attacker, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who drove into a crowd on Bourbon Street. An ISIS flag was found in his vehicle, and the FBI confirmed that his actions were entirely motivated by the terrorist organization during a Thursday briefing.
Graham criticized the media’s framing of the event, stating it presented such attacks as isolated criminal acts rather than components of a broader war against terrorism.
He urged for a shift in perspective, emphasizing that these events should be treated as acts of war and calling for President Trump to address the misuse of wartime tools meant to protect the nation.
This attack in New Orleans was one of two events involving suspects with U.S. military ties. On the same day, an explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas involved a Cybertruck, killing the driver, Army service member Matthew Alan Livelsberger.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) called for answers on why trusted service members could commit such violent acts. She criticized the Biden administration’s foreign policy, claiming it has allowed ISIS-related threats to reemerge after progress made under the previous administration.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) condemned the FBI’s initial determination that the New Orleans attack wasn’t terrorism, highlighting the ISIS flag found in the suspect’s possession as a clear indication of the attack’s nature.
Despite these concerns, Louisiana officials have assured the public of safety measures. Enhanced security has been implemented nationwide, and the Sugar Bowl is now set to proceed on Thursday afternoon after its postponement. Investigators are still examining any potential links between the incidents in New Orleans and Las Vegas.
