On New Year’s Day, two acts of terror unfolded that sent shockwaves through the American public. In New Orleans, Shamsud-Din Jabbar reportedly drove a rented truck down Bourbon Street, killing 15 and injuring 35. An ISIS flag found in his vehicle left little doubt about his motives. Hours later, in Las Vegas, a rented Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump Las Vegas Hotel. The driver, Matthew Alan Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active-duty US Army Special Forces intelligence sergeant, was the sole casualty.

These incidents, occurring during a season meant for celebration, highlight the vulnerability of the nation and the potential for violent extremism to rear its head. The loss of life in New Orleans is a tragedy that demands serious reflection. Yet, the government’s and media’s responses to these attacks reveal troubling inconsistencies, raising questions about their commitment to addressing the real threats facing the nation.

In the immediate aftermath of the New Orleans attack, the FBI’s Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Alethea Duncan, held a press conference that can only be described as a disaster. Despite the discovery of an ISIS flag, Duncan declared, “This is not a terrorist event.” The statement left many Americans incredulous, sparking widespread criticism online.

Similarly, the media coverage of the attacks reflected a rushed and deeply flawed narrative.........

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