Houston (PTI): New Orleans rang in the new year with a tragedy as a man drove a pickup truck into crowds of revellers early Wednesday, killing 15 and injuring dozens more in a horrifying attack near the iconic Bourbon Street.

Authorities are now investigating potential ties between the suspect, a 42-year-old Army veteran from Texas, and the terrorist group.

The rampage, which unfolded just after 3 am, left the city shaken and raised urgent questions about security measures in the bustling French Quarter. The suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, was killed in a shootout with police after crashing his rented truck.

Investigators later found an ISIS flag, weapons, and a possible explosive device inside the vehicle, intensifying concerns about a coordinated terrorist plot.

Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick confirmed that two officers were injured in the exchange of gunfire but are expected to recover.

“We had precautions in place, but the terrorist found a way to exploit a gap,” Kirkpatrick said, referring to temporary changes in security measures due to ongoing repairs ahead of next month’s Super Bowl.

The attack, described as one of the deadliest in recent city history, has also forced the postponement of the Sugar Bowl, which was scheduled for Wednesday at the Superdome. The game will now take place on Thursday, as officials work to reassure residents and visitors of their safety.

Federal agents are now racing to piece together Jabbar’s motives and potential connections to international terrorist networks. Alethea Duncan, assistant special agent with the FBI, urged anyone with information to contact authorities. “This investigation is moving swiftly, and we’re pursuing every lead,” she said.

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Belagavi: A 26-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly stabbing his mother-in-law following an argument over a video call in Aladakatti village in Savadatti taluk of Belagavi district, according to Asianet News.

The accused, identified as Aravind Gawali, allegedly attacked his mother-in-law, Mahadevi Karigar (45), after a dispute related to frequent video calls. She is currently undergoing treatment in the ICU at Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences.

Police said Mahadevi had arranged her daughter’s marriage to Aravind, a resident of Mantur village in Hubballi taluk, about one-and-a-half years ago. The couple recently had a child, and the woman was staying at her parental home for post-delivery care. There are allegations that Aravind had been harassing his wife.

Mahadevi got annoyed with her son-in-law’s constant video calls. She told him, “I can’t just sit around on the mobile all day, leaving my work aside. Call only once a day.” Aravind then allegedly abused her with foul language. In response, Mahadevi warned him, saying, “If you come to our village, I won’t spare you.”

Following the argument, Aravind allegedly came to Aladakatti village, stabbed his mother-in-law, and fled the scene.

Police said the accused later posted a WhatsApp status: “Today jail, tomorrow bail. I won’t spare you.”

He was later arrested. A case has been registered at Murugod Police Station, and further investigation is underway.