Washington State Patrol released a statement on Thursday in response to the New Year’s Day attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas.
“Our thoughts and prayers are extended to everyone who has been impacted by the recent events in both New Orleans and Las Vegas. The heartless taking of innocent life, the causing of significant injuries, and the use of explosive violence have no place in our society,” read the statement.
Around 3 a.m. on January 1, 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran, Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove his pickup truck into a crowd of people celebrating New Year’s Eve on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing at least 14 people and injuring dozens.
Hours later, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas, injuring at least seven bystanders. The driver, 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, was found inside the truck with a gunshot wound to the head.
The FBI is actively investigating both incidents.
WSP Chief John R. Batiste said, at this time, there is no reason for increased concern in our area.
“We have no reports of any additional or unique threats at this time,” said Chief Batiste. “We cannot, and will not, live our lives in fear, but we can and must always use reasonable caution and care as we navigate our daily lives.”
In the statement, WSP encouraged people not to hesitate to call 9-1-1 if something seems suspicious. “If you see something, say something,” they said.
You can find the full statement from WSP attached to this story.
WSP statement on New Year's attacks
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