KILLEEN, Texas — The suspect identified in the deadly truck attack in New Orleans on Jan. 1 had ties to Texas, officials have confirmed, including graduating from Central Texas College in Killeen.
6 News confirmed with a spokesperson from the university that the man, whom 6 News has chosen not to name, graduated from Central Texas College (CTC) in 2010, though they say all of his classes were taken online.
CTC sent 6 News the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that have occurred in New Orleans. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and all those affected by this heartbreaking situation.We can confirm that [the suspect] was a former student at Central Texas College. He graduated in 2010, and all his classes were taken online. He has no current affiliation with the college.”
Authorities say the suspect drove a pickup truck bearing the flag of the Islamic State group through a New Year’s celebration in New Orleans, killing 14 people and injuring others before being shot and killed by police.
The FBI stated they are investigating the attack as an act of terror and believe the man did not work alone.
CTC is not the suspect’s only tie to Texas. Public records show that his current address is in north Harris County. KCEN’s sister station KBMT in Beaumont confirmed he graduated from Central High School in Beaumont ISD in 2001.
The suspect also served in the United States Army. The Army released the following statement on his service:
“[The suspect] was in the regular Army as a Human Resource Specialist (42A) and Information Technology (IT) Specialist (25B) from March 2007 until January 2015 and then in the Army Reserve as an IT Specialist (25B) from January 2015 until July 2020. He deployed to Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010. He held the rank of Staff Sergeant at the end of service.”
Authorities have begun identifying those killed in the attack. More information on the victims of the attack can be found at this link.