The Sconi

On January 23, 2025, Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Chairman Ron Johnson and Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley initiated a congressional investigation following the New Year’s Day attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas. They have requested information from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Defense (DOD), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding the attackers' backgrounds and motives.

The attackers involved were identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, linked to ISIS in New Orleans, and Matthew Alan Livelsberger in Las Vegas. The senators are also seeking records from Meta concerning Jabbar's Facebook activities before his attack. It was noted that Jabbar posted videos on Facebook expressing allegiance to ISIS.

"The public deserves complete transparency and the truth regarding the New Orleans terrorist attack and the Las Vegas car explosion," stated Senators Johnson and Grassley. They emphasized their expectation for cooperation from relevant agencies despite ongoing investigations.

The inquiry also touches on whistleblower claims about the FBI Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of New Orleans being on vacation during these events. The FBI has confirmed this absence, with SAC not returning until January 2.

"These are major public events that a SAC should be present for. The FBI failed to note this in any of the joint briefings it provided to Congress and must provide more information," noted the chairmen.

Sens. Johnson and Grassley have issued letters to DOJ, FBI, DHS, DOD, and Meta requesting further details.