cover of episode What has been happening in the United States?

What has been happening in the United States?

2025/1/2
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The Hard Shoulder Highlights

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Caroline Vakil
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Caroline Vakil: 新奥尔良袭击事件最初被认为涉及多人,但FBI最新调查结果显示肇事者Shamsuddin Jabbar单独行动,且其行为受ISIS影响,这被认定为一起恐怖袭击事件。尽管调查仍在进行中,但新奥尔良正在逐渐恢复正常。 拉斯维加斯Trump酒店外的Cybertruck爆炸案造成一人死亡,七人受伤。目前尚不清楚该事件是否为恐怖袭击,但调查人员正在调查其是否为蓄意行为。爆炸案中发现烟火爆炸物,Elon Musk声明爆炸与车辆本身无关。FBI尚未发现新奥尔良袭击事件和拉斯维加斯爆炸案之间存在直接联系,两起事件车辆均通过Turo租借。 关于众议院议长选举,现任议长Mike Johnson再次竞选,并获得特朗普的支持。然而,共和党内部存在分歧,众议员Thomas Massey已宣布不会投票给Johnson。Johnson能否连任取决于共和党内部能否团结一致,以及特朗普在党内的影响力。选举结果将影响美国政治的走向,并对处理新奥尔良袭击事件和拉斯维加斯爆炸案等国家安全事件产生影响。迅速选举议长对认证特朗普胜选也至关重要。 Adrian Kennedy: 引导讨论,提出问题,并对Caroline Vakil的回答进行总结和补充。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

What is the latest update on the New Orleans attack?

The FBI now believes the driver responsible for the rampage in New Orleans acted alone and was 100% inspired by ISIS. The individual, a U.S. citizen, carried out an act of terrorism. No definitive link has been found between this incident and the Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas.

What new information led the FBI to conclude the New Orleans attacker acted alone?

As the investigation progressed, the FBI gathered more information and received hundreds of tips, leading them to revise their initial belief that others were involved. This is a typical progression in ongoing investigations.

What is known about the Cybertruck explosion outside Trump’s Las Vegas hotel?

The Cybertruck explosion occurred on the same day as the New Orleans attack, but no definitive link has been established between the two. The driver, identified as Matthew Alon Levensberger, died in the explosion, and seven others were injured. Officials are investigating whether it was a deliberate act or terrorism, but no conclusions have been reached.

What role did Elon Musk play in addressing the Cybertruck explosion?

Elon Musk quickly clarified that the Cybertruck explosion was unrelated to the vehicle itself. Firework explosive materials were found in the car, indicating the explosion was caused by external factors.

What is the current status of the race for Speaker of the House?

Incumbent Speaker Mike Johnson is running to retain his position, with support from President-elect Donald Trump. However, the narrow House margin means he can only afford one defection. Congressman Thomas Massey has already stated he will not vote for Johnson, raising uncertainty about the outcome.

Why is there pressure to resolve the Speaker election quickly?

The House must elect a Speaker to certify Donald Trump’s election victory, and prolonged delays could hinder addressing national security concerns, such as the New Orleans attack and the Cybertruck explosion. The narrow margin and recent events add urgency to the process.

How significant is Donald Trump’s endorsement of Mike Johnson in the Speaker race?

Trump’s endorsement signals to the party that Johnson is the preferred leader, which could influence undecided Republicans. However, the narrow House margin and expected Democratic support for Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries mean the outcome remains uncertain.

Chapters
The FBI initially suspected multiple perpetrators in the New Orleans attack but now believes the driver acted alone, classifying it as an act of terrorism inspired by ISIS. Despite the incident, New Orleans is gradually returning to normalcy.
  • FBI initially believed multiple people were involved in the New Orleans attack.
  • FBI now believes the attack was a lone wolf operation, classifying it as terrorism inspired by ISIS.
  • The attacker was a U.S. citizen.
  • New Orleans is recovering and resuming normal activities.

Shownotes Transcript

Caroline Vakil, Campaign Reporter for The Hill, joins guest host Adrian Kennedy to discuss some of the biggest stories happening in the United States: the tragic attack in New Orleans, the Cybertruck explosion outside Trump’s Vegas hotel and the race for US House Speaker.

Image: Reuters