NEW ORLEANS (WVUE/Gray New) – Federal, state, and local law enforcement agents are following leads that tie an Airbnb rental to the suspect involved in the Bourbon Street terror attack on New Year’s Day.
Law enforcement was seen along the 1300 block of Mandeville Street in the Marigny neighborhood, after a small fire broke out around 5:30 a.m. in the suspected Airbnb property.
Fire officials evacuated nearby homes and called in the ATF, which deployed bomb-sniffing dogs to the scene.
Sources confirmed to WVUE that bomb-making materials were found in the residence.
Residents in the neighborhood were stunned by the sudden influx of law enforcement.
“They said they found bomb-making material in the yellow house and wanted the bomb squad to look it over,” said Bob Koenig, a neighbor.
While the Marigny became the center of law enforcement activity, just a mile away, French Quarter tourists like Paul and April McGee were cutting their trips short amid rising concerns.
“It’s absolute insanity,” said Paul McGee.
New Orleans residents expressed disbelief over the events that have shaken the city.
“I think it’s crazy. People are frustrated, their mind is gone, and they want to take it out on innocent people,” said Charles Mabon, a New Orleanian.
A three-block area surrounding the Airbnb on Mandeville Street was closed off as investigators continued to collect evidence. Law enforcement officials have not provided a timeline for when the area will be reopened to the public.
The FBI has confirmed it is the lead agency in the ongoing investigation into the New Year’s Day attack, which has claimed the lives of at least 15 people and left more than 30 others injured.
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