The FBI has long characterized protecting the homeland from terrorist attack as its top priority, and Wray has been proactive in sounding the alarm about a rising threat inspired in part by the turmoil in the Middle East following the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas on Israel.

According to an FBI update, the New Orleans attack suspect's rented vehicle was seen in Gonzales at around 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has released an updated timeline on the movements of 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar leading up to the deadly attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans that killed 14 people on New Year's Day.