The Lake County sheriff says the community plays a vital role and should work together to report suspicious activity in the wake of a deadly terror attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day.
Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg issued a public message to the Lake County community on Wednesday evening.
“The heartbreaking tragedy in New Orleans overnight is a reminder of how precious safety and security are to every community. Our thoughts are with those affected, and it strengthens our resolve to continue doing everything we can to keep Lake County safe,” Idleburg said.
The sheriff said his office remains “deeply engaged” in ensuring the community is protected.
“From overseeing initiatives to combat violent crime, closely collaborating with our federal and local partners, supporting programs that address the root causes of crime, and advocating for innovative tools and training for countywide law enforcement, we are committed to making Lake County a place where everyone is secure,” Idleburg said.
“We work tirelessly to protect and serve our community. From proactive community policing to fostering strong partnerships with local organizations and ensuring transparency, we are dedicated to creating a safe environment. We are and will always be there for you,” Idleburg said.
The sheriff said the community “plays a vital role” and should be on the lookout for one another by reporting suspicious activity.
“By looking out for one another, reporting suspicious activity, and building trust together, we create a foundation for safety and resilience. We must always work together,” Idleburg said.
“Please keep those affected by this tragedy in your thoughts as we remain committed to protecting our own community here at home. We appreciate you working alongside us to make Lake County a place where safety and compassion always prevail,” he added.
The FBI said 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas, drove a rented Ford pickup truck into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisana, around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday.
At least 14 were killed and dozens of others were injured.
Jabbar exited the vehicle after hitting the crowd and fired shots at law enforcement, the FBI said.
Police returned fire and Jabbar was pronounced dead at the scene. Two officers were injured and transported to a local hospital.
An ISIS flag was located in the vehicle and the FBI said it is working to determine Jabbar’s potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations.
Weapons and a potential IED were also located in the vehicle and other potential IEDs were located in the French Quarter.
The FBI said it is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.
FBI special agents and law enforcement partners are conducting court-authorized search warrants in New Orleans and other states as part of the investigation.