--:-- [Upbeat music fades out, and the hosts introduce the show]
--:-- John Bickley: The NFL is back, and FanDuel's got everything you need to play your game. From same-game parlays to live betting. Right now, new customers bet $5 and get $300 in bonus bets if you win. 21-plus in president select states. 18-plus in Kentucky and Wyoming. Must be first online real money waging. $5 deposit required. Bonus issued is non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire seven days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See full terms at FanDuel.com slash sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
--:-- [Music transitions to a more serious tone]
--:-- John Bickley: I'm Daily Wire editor-in-chief John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Thursday, January 2nd, and this is your Morning Wire afternoon update.
--:-- Georgia Howe: After initially suggesting there might be a terror cell involved, authorities now believe that Shamsuddin Jabbar acted alone when he allegedly drove into a New Orleans New Year's Eve crowd, killing 15. Jabbar died shortly after in a shootout with police.
--:-- John Bickley: Federal agents are sweeping locations across several cities as investigations continue. That includes the search of a New Orleans Airbnb allegedly tied to Jabbar and a home in Houston. During a press conference today, the FBI also addressed theories surrounding the New Orleans attack and Vegas Cybertruck explosion being connected.
--:-- Georgia Howe: At this point, there is no definitive link between the attack here in New Orleans and the one in Las Vegas. And again I preface as I close I preface everything with what I started with in the beginning which was this is very early in an investigation like this.
--:-- John Bickley: Meanwhile officials have identified the driver of the Tesla Cybertruck that blew up outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year's. Daily Wire deputy managing editor Tim Rice has the latest.
--:-- Tim Rice: Law enforcement says Colorado resident and army veteran Matthew Livelsberger rented the Tesla on Turo, then drove it up to the front of the hotel. There, explosive devices in the bed detonated, killing the driver and injuring several people. Officials say the vehicle was packed with firework-style mortars, camping fuel, and a detonation device.
--:-- Georgia Howe: Littlesberger reportedly has several addresses in Colorado Springs, at least one of which was raided by officials late Wednesday. The suspect in a terror attack in New Orleans was also a military veteran, and the truck he used was also rented on Turo.
--:-- John Bickley: President Biden convened his national security team today in order to get an update on the investigation into the terrorist attack in New Orleans. Last night, Biden gave brief remarks on the attack, saying he's called for an investigation and aid to the city at this time.
--:-- [Audio clip of President Biden's remarks plays]
--:-- John Bickley: I directed my team to make sure every resource, every resource is made available to federal, state and local law enforcement to complete the investigation in New Orleans quickly and to make sure there is no remaining threat to the American people.
--:-- Georgia Howe: Earlier in the day Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry visited Bourbon Street to tour the site of the attack. In a television appearance this morning the governor said that while residents are mourning they also will not let the heinous act conquer their spirit.
--:-- [Audio clip of Governor Jeff Landry's remarks plays]
--:-- Georgia Howe: This morning and I don't want to single out just one news source but I just happened to turn on Fox and Friends, and that was a young man who was interviewed who was actually on Bourbon Street during this horrific act of terrorism. And they closed out by asking him what now.
--:-- John Bickley: And I think he summed it up. He said, look, we can't live in fear because fear will paralyze us. He said, we come down to the city to enjoy ourselves and to entertain ourselves and to be with our friends and with our families because that's who we are.
--:-- Georgia Howe: A former Princeton football player was among the 15 people killed in the attack in New Orleans. Martin Tiger Beck died in the hospital shortly after. Beck played wide receiver for the Princeton Tigers from 2016 to 2018, earning honors as a kick returner and winning two Ivy League championships.
--:-- John Bickley: Beck's younger brother, Jack, posted a personal message to his brother on social media, writing, quote, Love you always, brother. You inspired me every day. Now you get to be with me in every moment. I got this family tea. Don't worry.
--:-- Georgia Howe: This is for us.
--:-- John Bickley: President Biden is honoring staunch Trump critic Liz Cheney for her work on the widely criticized January 6th committee. Daily Wire reporter Amanda Prestigiacomo has the details.
--:-- Amanda Prestigiacomo: The president is giving Cheney along with Democrat Rep Benny Thompson the Presidential Citizens Medal. That's the second highest civilian medal and one intended only for those who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or for fellow citizens.
--:-- John Bickley: Republicans say the move is yet more proof that the J6 committee was overtly political from the start. Cheney and Trump have frequently traded barbs, and the former Republican congresswoman even went as far as joining Kamala Harris on her failed presidential campaign.
--:-- Georgia Howe: And the New York Post is calling for accountability for journalists who, quote, concealed or ignored President Biden's mental fitness. Daily Wire senior reporter Mary Margaret Olehan reports.
--:-- Mary Margaret Olehan: In a blistering editorial, the Post accused journalists of ignoring clear signs of Biden's struggles and joining a, quote, crusade to gaslight America.
--:-- John Bickley: Concerns about Biden's health surged after viral moments of confusion, a Wall Street Journal report on his faltering demeanor, and a disastrous June debate performance.
--:-- Georgia Howe: And while the White House refuses to give any validity to these reports, many liberal journalists have since admitted regret, calling their defense of Biden a major misstep.
--:-- Mary Margaret Olehan: As trust in the media hits historic lows, the Post insists that those who tried to keep this under wraps must be held responsible.
--:-- John Bickley: Those are your drive-home updates this afternoon. To learn more about these stories, go to dailywire.com. And for more in-depth reporting on the biggest stories of the day, tune into our full episode of Morning Wire every morning.
--:-- [Music transitions to a closing theme]
--:-- John Bickley: Thanks for listening to Morning Wire.
