Not a Big & Rich fan, eh?
Of course by now everybody has heard about the devastating terrorist attack in New Orleans last night. A man drove a pickup truck into a crowd of people celebrating the new year on Bourbon Street, killing at least 10 and injuring dozens of others.
After stopping when his truck crashed into a construction lift, the man exited the vehicle and began shooting at police, wounding two officers who returned fire and ultimately killed the suspect.
The man has been identified as 42-year old Shamsud Din Jabbar, an Army veteran from Texas who was driving a rented Ford truck at the time with an ISIS flag on the back. But the FBI, who is leading the investigation, doesn’t believe the man acted alone after explosive devices were found planted around the French Quarter and disarmed by law enforcement.
As is the case with any attack like this, the public often has more questions than answers as law enforcement is slow to release information while continuing their investigation. And earlier today, before the suspect was identified, country singer John Rich took to social media with his own questions about the attack:
Close up of the officer’s weapon in New Orleans. What is that pink stuff all over his rifle? pic.twitter.com/ieLhXIVwRG
— John Rich🇺🇸 (@johnrich) January 1, 2025
Many were quick to point out that the “pink stuff” on the officer’s rifle was simply the reflection of the vehicle’s tail lights (or the neon signs that line Bourbon Street). But Congressman Dan Crenshaw apparently wasn’t happy with Rich’s question.
The Republican congressman from Texas, who receives frequent criticism from his own party over his support of funding to Ukraine, among other issues, replied to Rich and mocked him as a “one-hit wonder.”
“Another useless comment from a one hit wonder while families are mourning. Sit this one out John. Stop looking for attention in a time like this.”
Another useless comment from a one hit wonder while families are mourning. Sit this one out John. Stop looking for attention in a time like this.
— Dan Crenshaw (@DanCrenshawTX) January 1, 2025
Rich didn’t respond to the congressman, but it’s not the first time the two have exchanged words. A few days ago, Rich tweeted that Crenshaw’s campaign had offered him “serious money” to play at one of his rallies, and that the singer had refused:
I’m happy to report, when Dan Crenshaw’s campaign offered me rather serious money to come play at one of his rallies, I declined. Twice. Take that as you will.
— John Rich🇺🇸 (@johnrich) December 26, 2024
Clear there’s no love lost between these two.
Of course Rich isn’t the only one who wants answers on the terrorist attack in New Orleans, especially now that it seems to have been more of a coordinated effort than a lone wolf attack. Reports are coming out that two men and a woman were caught on camera placing explosive devices around the French Quarter, so it doesn’t seem like this guy was acting alone – something the FBI and law enforcement acknowledged in their press conference when they revealed that they were searching for further suspects.
With so much still unknown about the attack, authorities made the decision to postpone the Sugar Bowl that was scheduled to take place tonight at the Caesars Superdome, just a few blocks from Bourbon Street. The College Football Playoff game between Georgia and Notre Dame will now be held tomorrow, with law enforcement working to make sure that the Dome – and the city in general – are safe from any further threats.
It’s such a sad situation, especially as the victims are identified and we learn more about those who lost their lives while they were just out trying to celebrate the new year.
Hopefully they’re able to find anyone else who was involved and bring them to justice quickly, and that New Orleans is able to safely return to the vibrant, joyous city that it is.