tourist dies after attack in new orleans

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Officials identify 75-year-old tourist beaten to death at new orleans hotel.

NEW ORLEANS - A 75-year-old man from Missouri visiting New Orleans with his family was beaten to death in a hotel late Thursday night.

WWL-TV reports New Orleans police were called out to the Avenue Plaza Hotel on St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans just before 11 p.m. Officers arrived to find the unresponsive tourist in a hotel room with apparent head trauma.

The man, later identified by the coroner as David Sorenson, was taken to a hospital but did not survive the attack, the news outlet reported. Police believe he was physically beaten to death with fists rather than a weapon.

Officers then located the suspect, 29-year-old Martin Furtado, in the room's bathroom. Furtado was not staying in that room or in the hotel. He was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. He was booked on a $350,000 bond, according to WWL-TV.

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Sorenson was from Missouri, and he was visiting New Orleans with his family.

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New Orleans shocked after horrific killing of tourist in hotel during holiday tourism season

The new orleans police department says the beating death was a "random act of violence".

Horrific hotel killing of a tourist in New Orleans shocks city during holiday tourism season

The brutal beating death of a tourist in New Orleans earlier this month is sending chills through the city during its holiday tourism season.

The brutal beating death of a tourist in New Orleans is sending chills through the city during its holiday tourism season. 

It's also adding to the city's reputation as one of the most dangerous places in America . 

The New Orleans Police Department says the death of 73-year-old David Sorenson, visiting from Missouri, was a random act of violence. 

On December 1, Sorenson and his wife were asleep in their room at the Avenue Plaza Hotel on St. Charles when they heard a knock on their door. Police say a man entered and beat Sorenson to death while his wife took cover in the bathroom. 

STARBUCKS MAKES GOOD ON PROMISE TO CLOSE MORE STORES AS CRIME RAGES IN NEW ORLEANS

29-year-old Martin Hurtado, who worked at a nearby restaurant, was arrested for the crime. 

This horrific incident, along with New Orleans on track to be the murder capital of America this year, is leading some business owners in the city's tourist district to fear visitors just might stop coming. 

Monique Hamilton, co-owner of Unique Nola Tours, says her tour guides need more work. 

"I employ 15 tour guides," Hamilton said. "We offer 7 different tours but in the last couple weeks, we're lucky if we do two or three tours in one day. It's slow. It really is." 

A tourist takes a photo of street performers in New Orleans' French Quarter. (Fox News / Fox News)

Hamilton says the city's winter busy season really picks up in January, but she wonders how crime is having an impact. 

As of December 11, 2022, there have been 264 homicides in New Orleans. This is the most homicides per residents in the United States, passing St. Louis, Chicago and New York City. It's also a 134% increase from just three years ago. In 2019, New Orleans had 113 homicides, according to the Metropolitan Crime Commission . 

"Even though the vast majority of the crime is between people who know each other, that would scare some people off," Hamilton said. "People that have never been here, I think this will deter them." 

Since starting her tour company in 2016, Hamilton says crime concerns have always been part of the conversation. She believes this slower season has more to do with inflation and people not having the money to travel, but she can't rule out crime. 

"We get asked about crime, especially for corporate events, but I don't think it's overly affecting tourism," Hamilton said. 

A jazz band performs for tourists in the French Quarter.  (Fox News / Fox News)

CONCERNS ESCALATE OVER SAN FRANCISCO'S RISING CRIME HURTING BUSINESS

Hamilton's business has had its fair share of incidents over the last year, but she's thankful none of her guests or guides have been injured. 

In May, her security cameras captured an attempted shooting outside the door to her shop. The video shows a man firing a gun, but it jams. Bystanders drop to the floor as the men involved run in different directions. 

Hamilton also had two tour guides attacked in the last six months. 

"One was a resident who lived in the French Quarter," Hamilton said. "He came up and pushed one of my tour guides down. The other one was a homeless person who came up to one of the tour guides and pulled out a knife." 

Hamilton says in both incidents, the tour guides were able to quickly get their groups to safety. 

"The guides are prepared for this," Hamilton said. "They know this stuff is unavoidable in the French Quarter. You have to expect something is going to happen because it happens everywhere, doesn't matter the city." 

NEW ORLEANS POLICE SUPERINTENDENT RETIRES AMID CONTROVERSY IN AMERICA'S MURDER CAPITAL

Tourists visiting New Orleans last week were surprised to learn of the crime trends in the city while speaking with Fox News, but told us they were keeping safety in mind. 

Most of the tourists who spoke with Fox News were surprised to learn of the city's rampant crime trends.  (Fox News / Fox News)

"We're not loose with flashing money around, and we're not staying out late at night," said Sophia and James Smith, visiting from the Houston area. 

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"We always look out and watch," said John and Janet Allison from Louisville. "He puts his wallet in his front pocket and I keep my bag over my shoulder and zipped." 

This year of rampant crime also comes at a time when the NOPD is at record-low numbers. For the last year, those in the hospitality industry have funded additional patrols of the French Quarter. 

Employee dead, tourist injured in shooting at New Orleans restaurant

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE/Gray News) - Police say a restaurant employee was killed and a tourist was injured after a shooting in front of a popular New Orleans restaurant on the opening day of Jazz Fest.

The shooting happened Friday night outside of the popular restaurant Mandina’s, a New Orleans staple for 90 years, WVUE reports . Police say they received reports of a shooting around 8:20 p.m. and confirmed it 10 minutes later.

According to police, a 23-year-old man was outside of the restaurant when he was fatally struck by gunfire. Witnesses say the victim was a Mandina’s employee.

At least one bullet was fired through the front of the store, striking a woman who was dining inside. Officials say the woman, from Chicago, was in town for Jazz Fest and celebrating a friend’s birthday at Mandina’s. She was taken to the hospital in stable condition.

New Orleans Police Interim Superintendent Michelle Woodfork said in a press conference Saturday that the male victim was the intended target of the shooting.

An armed security guard routinely stationed at the restaurant returned fire, Woodfork said. It is unclear if any of the suspected gunmen were wounded.

“My deepest condolences go out to the victims of this terrible crime and their loved ones,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell in a statement. “The people of New Orleans stand united in their rejection of the gun violence plaguing our nation and our community. We need stronger gun laws and penalties, as well as accountability across all public safety agencies, if we’re ever going to end this crisis.”

The restaurant was closed Saturday. The owners said they planned to reopen next week.

No arrest warrants have been issued at this time.

Copyright 2023 WVUE via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Employee dead, tourist injured in shooting at New Orleans restaurant

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE/Gray News) - Police say a restaurant employee was killed and a tourist was injured after a shooting in front of a popular New Orleans restaurant on the opening day of Jazz Fest.

The shooting happened Friday night outside of the popular restaurant Mandina’s, a New Orleans staple for 90 years, WVUE reports . Police say they received reports of a shooting around 8:20 p.m. and confirmed it 10 minutes later.

According to police, a 23-year-old man was outside of the restaurant when he was fatally struck by gunfire. Witnesses say the victim was a Mandina’s employee.

At least one bullet was fired through the front of the store, striking a woman who was dining inside. Officials say the woman, from Chicago, was in town for Jazz Fest and celebrating a friend’s birthday at Mandina’s. She was taken to the hospital in stable condition.

New Orleans Police Interim Superintendent Michelle Woodfork said in a press conference Saturday that the male victim was the intended target of the shooting.

An armed security guard routinely stationed at the restaurant returned fire, Woodfork said. It is unclear if any of the suspected gunmen were wounded.

“My deepest condolences go out to the victims of this terrible crime and their loved ones,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell in a statement. “The people of New Orleans stand united in their rejection of the gun violence plaguing our nation and our community. We need stronger gun laws and penalties, as well as accountability across all public safety agencies, if we’re ever going to end this crisis.”

The restaurant was closed Saturday. The owners said they planned to reopen next week.

No arrest warrants have been issued at this time.

Copyright 2023 WVUE via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Employee dead, tourist injured in shooting at New Orleans restaurant

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE/Gray News) - Police say a restaurant employee was killed and a tourist was injured after a shooting in front of a popular New Orleans restaurant on the opening day of Jazz Fest.

The shooting happened Friday night outside of the popular restaurant Mandina’s, a New Orleans staple for 90 years, WVUE reports . Police say they received reports of a shooting around 8:20 p.m. and confirmed it 10 minutes later.

According to police, a 23-year-old man was outside of the restaurant when he was fatally struck by gunfire. Witnesses say the victim was a Mandina’s employee.

At least one bullet was fired through the front of the store, striking a woman who was dining inside. Officials say the woman, from Chicago, was in town for Jazz Fest and celebrating a friend’s birthday at Mandina’s. She was taken to the hospital in stable condition.

New Orleans Police Interim Superintendent Michelle Woodfork said in a press conference Saturday that the male victim was the intended target of the shooting.

An armed security guard routinely stationed at the restaurant returned fire, Woodfork said. It is unclear if any of the suspected gunmen were wounded.

“My deepest condolences go out to the victims of this terrible crime and their loved ones,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell in a statement. “The people of New Orleans stand united in their rejection of the gun violence plaguing our nation and our community. We need stronger gun laws and penalties, as well as accountability across all public safety agencies, if we’re ever going to end this crisis.”

The restaurant was closed Saturday. The owners said they planned to reopen next week.

No arrest warrants have been issued at this time.

Copyright 2023 WVUE via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Employee dead, tourist injured in shooting at New Orleans restaurant

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE/Gray News) - Police say a restaurant employee was killed and a tourist was injured after a shooting in front of a popular New Orleans restaurant on the opening day of Jazz Fest.

The shooting happened Friday night outside of the popular restaurant Mandina’s, a New Orleans staple for 90 years, WVUE reports . Police say they received reports of a shooting around 8:20 p.m. and confirmed it 10 minutes later.

According to police, a 23-year-old man was outside of the restaurant when he was fatally struck by gunfire. Witnesses say the victim was a Mandina’s employee.

At least one bullet was fired through the front of the store, striking a woman who was dining inside. Officials say the woman, from Chicago, was in town for Jazz Fest and celebrating a friend’s birthday at Mandina’s. She was taken to the hospital in stable condition.

New Orleans Police Interim Superintendent Michelle Woodfork said in a press conference Saturday that the male victim was the intended target of the shooting.

An armed security guard routinely stationed at the restaurant returned fire, Woodfork said. It is unclear if any of the suspected gunmen were wounded.

“My deepest condolences go out to the victims of this terrible crime and their loved ones,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell in a statement. “The people of New Orleans stand united in their rejection of the gun violence plaguing our nation and our community. We need stronger gun laws and penalties, as well as accountability across all public safety agencies, if we’re ever going to end this crisis.”

The restaurant was closed Saturday. The owners said they planned to reopen next week.

No arrest warrants have been issued at this time.

Copyright 2023 WVUE via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Employee dead, tourist injured in shooting at New Orleans restaurant

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE/Gray News) - Police say a restaurant employee was killed and a tourist was injured after a shooting in front of a popular New Orleans restaurant on the opening day of Jazz Fest.

The shooting happened Friday night outside of the popular restaurant Mandina’s, a New Orleans staple for 90 years, WVUE reports . Police say they received reports of a shooting around 8:20 p.m. and confirmed it 10 minutes later.

According to police, a 23-year-old man was outside of the restaurant when he was fatally struck by gunfire. Witnesses say the victim was a Mandina’s employee.

At least one bullet was fired through the front of the store, striking a woman who was dining inside. Officials say the woman, from Chicago, was in town for Jazz Fest and celebrating a friend’s birthday at Mandina’s. She was taken to the hospital in stable condition.

New Orleans Police Interim Superintendent Michelle Woodfork said in a press conference Saturday that the male victim was the intended target of the shooting.

An armed security guard routinely stationed at the restaurant returned fire, Woodfork said. It is unclear if any of the suspected gunmen were wounded.

“My deepest condolences go out to the victims of this terrible crime and their loved ones,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell in a statement. “The people of New Orleans stand united in their rejection of the gun violence plaguing our nation and our community. We need stronger gun laws and penalties, as well as accountability across all public safety agencies, if we’re ever going to end this crisis.”

The restaurant was closed Saturday. The owners said they planned to reopen next week.

No arrest warrants have been issued at this time.

Copyright 2023 WVUE via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Employee dead, tourist injured in shooting at New Orleans restaurant

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE/Gray News) - Police say a restaurant employee was killed and a tourist was injured after a shooting in front of a popular New Orleans restaurant on the opening day of Jazz Fest.

The shooting happened Friday night outside of the popular restaurant Mandina’s, a New Orleans staple for 90 years, WVUE reports . Police say they received reports of a shooting around 8:20 p.m. and confirmed it 10 minutes later.

According to police, a 23-year-old man was outside of the restaurant when he was fatally struck by gunfire. Witnesses say the victim was a Mandina’s employee.

At least one bullet was fired through the front of the store, striking a woman who was dining inside. Officials say the woman, from Chicago, was in town for Jazz Fest and celebrating a friend’s birthday at Mandina’s. She was taken to the hospital in stable condition.

New Orleans Police Interim Superintendent Michelle Woodfork said in a press conference Saturday that the male victim was the intended target of the shooting.

An armed security guard routinely stationed at the restaurant returned fire, Woodfork said. It is unclear if any of the suspected gunmen were wounded.

“My deepest condolences go out to the victims of this terrible crime and their loved ones,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell in a statement. “The people of New Orleans stand united in their rejection of the gun violence plaguing our nation and our community. We need stronger gun laws and penalties, as well as accountability across all public safety agencies, if we’re ever going to end this crisis.”

The restaurant was closed Saturday. The owners said they planned to reopen next week.

No arrest warrants have been issued at this time.

Copyright 2023 WVUE via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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• Crimes in the News

LA - David Sorenson, 73, MO tourist beaten to death by stranger in New Orleans hotel attack. 01 Dec 2022. Wife hid during attack. Man arrested.

• Thread starter vls12345
• Start date Dec 7, 2022

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• Dec 7, 2022

Missouri man beaten to death in St. Charles Avenue hotel is identified

Tourist dies after attack in New Orleans hotel room as wife hides in bathroom, cops say

An affidavit for Hurtado’s arrest said security footage showed the suspect on the sixth floor of the hotel knocking on every door and roaming the halls, WWL reported. As Hurtado moved about the floor, someone pulled a fire alarm. At the sound of the fire alarm, Sorenson’s wife, who was asleep in the couple’s room, got up to open the door, the affidavit said, according to WWL. That’s when Hurtado burst into the room and began attacking Sorenson. Click to expand...

Spaceship Headlight Pattern Expert

Omg what a nightmare!!  

realanastasia

Brutal beating death of tourist in new orleans hotel room sends chills through violence-weary city.

Tourist beaten to death in St. Charles Avenue hotel loved the blues and New Orleans

The description of the suspect from the article I linked above is interesting: "Hank Clites said Hutardo moved next door to him in Slidell from California about three years ago. He resided with his aunt and uncle, who own Tacos & Beer. "He was a well-kept kid, polite. I'm flabbergasted with what happened," Clites said. "He doesn't fit the mold." Wonder if he was drugged (unintentionally OR intentionally)? Alternatively, did he have preexisting mental health issues? Or could this seemingly random crime have been planned?  

'He was just such a good man': Longtime neighbor and friend remembers Wildwood man beaten to death

• Dec 10, 2022

"Things can't keep going like this. It's no different than St. Louis or Memphis," Edsel said. "The city of New Orleans is pissed, and they need to be." Since he is by reputation a "well-kept kid, polite" I'm going with a mixture of beer (see article - his job where he was drinking probably free beer is a 7-minute walk to the hotel) and drugs (perhaps obtained from a dealer at the St Charles at Josephine Tram stop) brought out the inner-beast looking to hurt someone, anyone. And he just sort of adrenaline-punched a 72-year old man to death. Not hard to do when you're 29.  

Deleted member 110058

Martin Hurtado accused of brutal beating death of Missouri tourist at Avenue Plaza hotel

Records say he doesn't know what happened after he left work; police say he beat a sleeping man to death

realanastasia said: 'He was just such a good man': Longtime neighbor and friend remembers Wildwood man beaten to death Police say 73-year-old David Sorenson was killed by 29-year-old Martin Hurtado at the Avenue Plaza hotel in New Orleans. www.ksdk.com "According to Kirberg, Sorenson and his wife, Barb, had a timeshare at the Avenue Plaza and were in the room they stay in every year when Sorenson was killed. An affidavit for Hurtado's arrest gives more detail about what led up to the horrific and random act of violence. Hurtado told police he went to the hotel after working his shift at a restaurant about five blocks away. Somebody pulled a fire alarm while Hurtado was roaming the halls of the hotel. Sorenson's wife told police that the alarm woke her up and then she heard knocking at their door. "Barb thought that security was at the door saying, 'Let's go down,' and when she opened it up, he forced himself in, pushed her back and she ran out," Kirberg said." I find it interesting that the Sorensons had a timeshare at this hotel AND stayed in this room every single year--so I'm wondering, was this crime really as random as it seems? The bolded part of the quote: most of the other press coverage states that the wife locked herself in the bathroom, but this one says she was pushed outside the room. So, as @vls12345 stated, at least some of the accounts of what occurred are still at odds. Click to expand...

Spyralflare

Wonder if someone put some drug in the killer’s drink that night? He claims to remember nothing after having a beer at work.  

Spyralflare said: Wonder if someone put some drug in the killer’s drink that night? He claims to remember nothing after having a beer at work. Click to expand...

• Dec 11, 2022

Blues community mourns loss of tourist brutally beaten to death in New Orleans hotel room

cvaldez1975

• Dec 12, 2022

Martin Hurtado

• Dec 30, 2022

cvaldez1975 said: seems to be the POI Martin Hurtado Martin Hurtado is on Facebook. Join Facebook to connect with Martin Hurtado and others you may know. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. www.facebook.com Click to expand...

• Jan 18, 2024

Man accused in death of tourist in St. Charles Avenue hotel takes manslaughter plea

A New Orleans native accused of beating an elderly Missouri man to death inside a St. Charles Avenue hotel room pleaded guilty on Monday to manslaughter, according to court records. Click to expand...

On Monday, Hurtado accepted a plea deal proffered by prosecutors that saw his second-degree murder charge amended to manslaughter and the two other charges dropped, records show. He is slated to be sentenced to 40 years in prison, per the plea deal, on Oct. 6 by Judge Marcus DeLarge. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams said the plea deal would save Sorenson’s family the “extremely emotional and stressful ordeal” of a trial. The deal, Williams added, also required Hurtado to waive his right to a future appeal, “which, in turn, brings true closure to the case.” Click to expand...

There's no indication I've seen of motive, toxicology or mental health in the months since.  

• Mar 12, 2024

Manslaughter is too light for this. And how much will he serve of 40 years? 2/5ths with good behavior?  

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'This is not tolerated': 1 woman dead, 11 hurt in New Orleans mass shooting during festival

A woman is dead and 11 other people were injured in a mass shooting near New Orleans late Sunday night, police said.

The shooting took place just before midnight in the city's Warehouse District several blocks from the Mississippi River waterfront, a New Orleans Police Department spokesperson told USA TODAY.

The first call reporting the shooting came in at 11:56 p.m., the spokesperson said.

Arriving first responders took several people to local hospitals and one woman, police confirmed, was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased victim," Superintendent of Police Anne Kirkpatrick said Monday during a news conference . "As well as those that were injured in this incident."

According to Kirkpatrick, five men and seven women, including the deceased victim, were struck during the shooting.

Kirkpatrick said due to police being in the preliminary stages of the investigation, she could not go into additional details regarding the shooting.

'Horrific': 7-year-old killed, several injured after shooting in Chicago, police say

Motive in Warehouse District shooting not immediately known

Police did not say whether any arrests have been made in connection to the shooting.

A motive for the attack was not immediately known.

"Public safety remains our top priority," New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said during the news conference on Monday. "We're going to ensure that we bring justice. This is not tolerated in the city of New Orleans at all."

Shooting took place last night of French Quarter Festival

The attack occurred during the final night of the French Quarter Festival , a free four-day annual music festival held in early April in the city's historic French Quarter. 

The festival location is just over a mile and a half from where the shooting took place.

The case remained under investigation on Monday morning.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact New Orleans police or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.

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New Orleans restaurant shooting kills waiter, wounds tourist

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NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A shooting outside a well-known New Orleans restaurant Friday killed an employee, and one bullet penetrated the restaurant and wounded a Chicago tourist visiting for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival .

Interim New Orleans police Superintendent Michelle Woodfork told reporters Saturday that the shooting happened outside Mandina’s Restaurant in New Orleans’ Mid-City neighborhood. No suspects have yet been named.

Woodfork said police believe two assailants targeted the waiter, whom family members identified to The Times-Picayune of New Orleans as 23-year-old Hilbert Walker III.

A private security guard returned fire, Woodfork said, and was not injured. Diners told local news outlets that they dived to the floor seeking cover and that police didn’t let them leave for more than an hour.

The 54-year-old Chicago woman was visiting for Jazz Fest and was at Mandina’s “to celebrate the birthday of a friend,” when she was shot, Woodfork said. She did not say what condition the tourist was in.

The shooting caused alarm in New Orleans, a city with an economy dependent on tourism. It came on the first day of the two-weekend Jazz Fest, one of the busiest tourist periods in the city.

“This was an isolated incident that did not occur in the vicinity of the festival,” Woodfork said.

The restaurant announced it would be closed Saturday and Sunday.

The police department has about 150 to 180 officers providing security and directing traffic at the festival, Woodfork said. It’s held at the Fair Grounds Race Course, about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from the restaurant.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell sent her condolences to the victims in a statement.

“A celebratory day was later marred by another senseless act of violence,” she said.

Concerns about crime and poor city services recently drove a racially polarizing effort to recall Cantrell, a Black Democrat who is the first woman to lead the city. That effort failed in March after organizers fell far short of the number of signatures required to force a recall election.

Watch CBS News

One arrest, three still sought in attack on New Orleans tourists

June 27, 2017 / 12:06 PM EDT / CBS/AP

NEW ORLEANS -- New Orleans police say they've arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with an attack that hospitalized two Boston-area men.

Police say Dejuan Paul is one of four robbers who knocked the men to the ground, then took their wallets and cellphones Saturday in the French Quarter.

Police released graphic video of the attack hoping to identify the suspects. The video shows the victims walking back to their hotel on Bienville Street about 9 p.m. when two men rush up behind them and launch a quick, aggressive attack that ended with one victim face-down on the sidewalk, motionless and gasping for air.

One attacker rummages through the motionless victim's pockets as two other men run up and appear to help rob both victims before the suspects flee.

Police tell CBS affiliate WWLTV Paul turned himself in Monday night. He was being held on a second-degree robbery charge.

The Unitarian Universalist Association identified the injured men to New Orleans media as staffers Tim Byrne and James Curran. The church group met in New Orleans over the weekend.

Curran was transported to the hospital in critical condition and remained hospitalized Monday.

Spokeswoman Rachel Walden told The Associated Press the association would have no more comment.

In announcing Paul's arrest, Police Superintendent Michael Harrison said detectives had strong leads on the identities of the three other men seen in the video and urged them to surrender.

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Tourist dies after attack in New Orleans hotel room as wife hides in bathroom

• Thread starter Satanica
• Start date Dec 8, 2022
• Tags david sorenson martin hurtado

Veteran Member

• Dec 8, 2022

[....] A man was found unresponsive in his sixth floor hotel room on Saint Charles Avenue just before 11 p.m. Dec. 1, according to New Orleans Police Department. The man, who had visible injuries to his head, was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. While at the scene, officers found a man who was not a guest in the hotel, according to a Dec. 2 news release from the police department. The man, identified as 29-year-old Martin Hurtado, was arrested in connection to the incident on one count of second-degree murder. The man who died was identified as David Sorenson, a 73-year-old tourist from Missouri, according to the New Orleans coroner, NOLA.com reported. Police had originally said Sorenson was 75 years old. Image Credit [....] The coroner said Sorenson died of blunt force trauma, NOLA.com reported. An affidavit for Hurtado’s arrest said security footage showed the suspect on the sixth floor of the hotel knocking on every door and roaming the halls, WWL reported. As Hurtado moved about the floor, someone pulled a fire alarm. At the sound of the fire alarm, Sorenson’s wife, who was asleep in the couple’s room, got up to open the door, the affidavit said, according to WWL. That’s when Hurtado burst into the room and began attacking Sorenson. The affidavit said Sorenson’s wife, fearing for her safety, ran into the hotel’s bathroom, KSDK reported. Before she shut the door, she recalled seeing Hurtado punch her husband in the face. Sorenson, who lived in the St. Louis suburb of Wildwood, was a beloved husband of more than 50 years, a father to four children and a grandfather, KSDK said. Hurtado remains in custody at the Orleans Parish Justice Center. Click to expand...

Tourist dies after attack in New Orleans hotel room as wife hides in bathroom, cops say

• Dec 9, 2022

Kill it.  

That sucks I love New Orleans. Crawfish Po boy with extra hot sauce all the way!  

Live Long and Prosper

• Dec 10, 2022

Last Thursday, I visited New Orleans, the first time I'd ever been. We had beignets At the Cafe DuMonde and then walked around the French Quarter for a bit. The streets were very narrow, and after sunset they were very very dark. Street performers were everywhere but the ones that cuaght my attention was two 5 or 6 year old children beating on overturned 5 gallon buckets like they were drums with a very large tip jar in front of them. We took our picture at the Bourbon Street sign embedded in the sidewalk. I've always wanted to go and now I have, I don't have any desire to go back. Definitely not at Mardi Gras.  

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Elderly veteran tourist attacked at New Orleans bus station

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - A 73-year-old military veteran was just passing through New Orleans when he was brutally attacked in the bathroom of a bus station in New Orleans.

The New Orleans Police Department says the attack happened at Union Passenger Terminal on Loyola Avenue on Sat., Aug. 12 around 10:24 a.m.

The victim, Dale Ball, was on his way back home to Washington after visiting Alabama, where he had been assisting his daughter in making funeral arrangements for her deceased husband. His family says he made a pit stop in New Orleans to celebrate his second honeymoon.

According to the police report, Ball was found lying on his back in the bathroom with a pool of blood underneath his head. First responders say he was only coherent enough to provide his first name due to the severity of his injuries.

“I was angry. Very angry. How can anybody attack an elderly gentleman?” his daughter, Trina Balderson, asked. “I just lost my husband and had this happen to my dad. I’m just angry.”

Ball, a Marine veteran, suffered a fractured eye socket and a fractured jaw bone.

“He’s still in severe concussion protocol,” Ball’s son, Dale Jr., said. “In an out of consciousness in the hospital.”

“He’s got swelling on the brain,” said Balderson.

Ball was losing a significant amount of blood before a Good Samaritan alerted a security guard, who captured the suspect, John Pittman, as he attempted to flee the scene. Pittman resisted arrest and was subdued with pepper spray.

Doctors are still treating Ball for his injuries while his family prays for his swift recovery. His loved ones are planning to travel to New Orleans to support him during his hospitalization.

“He freaks out when he wakes up. He doesn’t know what’s going on. They’re keeping him heavily sedated so he has time to heal,” said Balderson.

Family members say they have no idea how long he will remain hospitalized or what his prognosis might be.

“I’m worried for him, and what the long-term effects could be,” said Balderson.

Pittman has been charged with second-degree battery and simple battery of the affirm and firm. He was being held on a $10,000 bond.

The family has set up a GoFundMe to help out with medical expenses.

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New Orleans Shooting That Killed 1, Injured 11 Renews Calls for Changes to New Concealed Carry Law

A shooting outside a New Orleans nightclub over the weekend has prompted renewed calls from city officials for changes to a pending Louisiana law allowing people to carry concealed handguns without a permit

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A shooting outside a New Orleans nightclub that left one woman dead and 11 other people wounded prompted renewed calls Monday for changes to a pending Louisiana law allowing concealed carry of a handgun without a permit.

The shooting took place late Sunday in the city's Warehouse District, an area of apartments, office buildings, restaurants and bars. Witnesses told local news outlets the gunfire sparked chaos as patrons of Republic NOLA fled. No arrests have been made.

City officials said at a Monday afternoon news conference about the shooting that statistics show violent crime and homicide rates are declining in the city. But the Republic NOLA shooting and last week's killing of a security guard in a bar in another part of New Orleans have put violent crime back in the spotlight in the tourism-dependent city.

Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said at the news conference that legislators should exempt New Orleans from the no-permit-carry law, which takes effect July 4. Failing that, Kirkpatrick said, the city's major entertainment areas, such as the French Quarter and Warehouse District, should be carved out of the law.

“It wasn't thought through,” Kirkpatrick said of the law passed during a January special session and signed by the state's new Republican governor, Jeff Landry.

Police and Democrats have said the law will increase danger by letting people untrained in firearms use carry concealed weapons. They also say it will make law enforcement more difficult by eliminating a possible cause for stopping and searching people suspected of carrying guns in crowds.

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The new legislation makes Louisiana the 28th state with such a law. Republican state Sen. Blake Miguez, who sponsored the legislation and rejected calls for carveouts in January, has said the measure was needed to protect 2nd Amendment rights.

Miguez and other Republicans argued that criminals ignore gun requirements and that law-abiding citizens should be allowed to carry concealed weapons without a permit to protect themselves.

Associated Press reporter Sara Cline in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, contributed to this story.

Copyright 2024 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Mass Shooting Outside New Orleans Nightclub Leaves 1 Dead, 11 Injured

Police have not yet identified a shooter or shooters

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• The woman who was fatally shot has not yet been identified. Six women and five men, all of whom were adults, were also injured in the shooting
• Police are still investigating a possible motive for the Sunday night gunfire
• This is the fourth mass shooting in New Orleans so far this year

One woman is dead and 11 more people injured following a mass shooting outside a New Orleans nightclub just before midnight Sunday, April 14.

At that time, shots rang out on the 800 block of South Peters Street, per the New Orleans Police Department. 

The press release from police, who declined to provide additional details Monday, does not further specify the location of the shooting, but Nola.com , WWL Louisiana and WDSU report that the shooting occurred at Republic NOLA, a popular nightclub in the city's Warehouse District. All victims of the shooting were adults.

At a nearby hotel, Kelsey Holt of Nashville awoke to the sound of six or seven gunshots, she told Nola.com 

From her window, Holt said she saw 30 to 40 people “pouring out” of the club. Some fled down the street, while others propped themselves up against the club’s exterior, she told the outlet.

An unnamed witness inside the nightclub told WDSU, "When I heard the shots I ran to the bathroom and grabbed a couple people who were with me and kinda got low.”

The witness added, “We stayed until it got settled but nobody knew what was next or if there would be more shots. There was a lot of panic and a lot of chaos.”

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for   PEOPLE' s free True Crime newsletter  for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Responding officers found one woman “fatally shot lying on the sidewalk” per police, who did not identify the woman, saying in the press release that the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office would release her identity and conduct an autopsy to determine her exact cause of death.

Four bullets had riddled through the club’s padlocked doors, Nola.com reports. A car parked near the nightclub had also been hit by gunfire, per WWL Louisiana.

Republic NOLA’s owner, Nick Thomas, told Nola.com Monday morning that the incident occurred “entirely outside” his venue and that “luckily all of the staff are safe.”

Police have not yet identified the shooter or shooters involved in the incident or a motive, per the press release, which notes that the investigation is “ongoing.”

Some of the six women and five men injured in Sunday night’s shooting were taken to a local hospital by EMS, while others were driven there by civilians, per police.

“This type of violence has no place in our State,” Gov. Jeff Landry tweeted in a statement Monday morning.

Louisiana has seen eight mass shootings so far this year, per the Gun Violence Archive, which keeps state-by-state statistics on such shootings, which it defines as a shooting injuring at least four people excluding the shooter. 

Half of those shootings were in New Orleans, per the archive.

“We urgently need common-sense gun reform measures and violence reduction programs in our community,” U.S. Rep. Troy Carter tweeted Monday morning in response to the latest mass shooting. “Too many lives have been lost.” Those with information about the investigation are urged to call homicide detective Donald Willyard at 504-658-5300 or call Crimestoppers toll-free 1-877-903-STOP(7867).

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6 killed in Sydney mall stabbing attack

By Sophie Tanno and Tori B. Powell , CNN

Our live coverage has ended. Read up on the latest on the Sydney mall attack or scroll through the posts below.

6 dead in Sydney shopping mall stabbing attack. Here's the latest

Six people are dead  and several others injured after a man went on a stabbing rampage in a shopping mall in Sydney, Australia, on Saturday afternoon local time, one of the country’s worst mass killings in recent years. The suspect was  shot dead .

Eyewitnesses described  “pandemonium”  as they fled from the attack, with many  forced to hide in shops . Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the attack was “beyond words and understanding,” but amid the “shocking violence,” there were glimmers of heroism.

Here’s the latest if you are just joining us:

Six dead: New South Wales police commissioner Karen Webb said  four women and a man died  at the shopping mall, while a fifth woman later died at the hospital. Webb added that  eight additional people  are being treated for injuries at hospitals in Sydney.

Baby among those injured: A  nine-month-old baby is confirmed  to be among the injured and has been in surgery, Webb said. Australian media outlets have reported that the baby’s mother had died, but Webb could not confirm the reports.

Suspect shot: A police inspector shot the attacker dead on the scene. Police believe the suspect was a 40-year-old man who acted alone, but could not provide further identification details. Early indications suggest the attack was  not terror-related .

"Hero" police officer: The police officer who shot the suspect is being hailed as a “hero,” with  Albanese saying , “There is no doubt that she saved lives through her action.” The officer was nearby when the violence unfolded and shot the attacker when he raised his knife at her, police said.

Witnesses describe scene: Eyewitnesses described panic and “pandemonium” as fleeing shoppers fell over each other and hid in shops. One woman, Crystal Wang,  told CNN  she hid in a clothing store for over an hour with other shoppers. Another man told Australia’s state broadcaster ABC that the attacker was stabbing people “indiscriminately.”

Rare attack: The attack has shocked Australia, a country where  mass casualty events are rare . The deadliest in its history was an April 1996 mass shooting in the town of Port Arthur, Tasmania, that killed 35 people and became known as the Port Arthur massacre. More recently, at least four people were killed and one injured in a mass shooting in the northern city of Darwin in 2019.

Pope Francis offer prayers for Sydney mall attack victims and first responders

Pope Francis is "deeply saddened" by the mass stabbing that occurred at a busy shopping center in Sydney, Australia, according to a statement from the Vatican.

"He sends the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all affected by this senseless tragedy, especially those who are now mourning the loss of a loved one," the statement read. "He likewise offers his prayers for the dead, injured, as well as the first responders, and invokes upon the nation the divine blessings of consolation and strength."

King Charles III "shocked and horrified" by the Sydney stabbing

Britain's King Charles III, who is head of state in Australia, said he and his wife Queen Camilla are "utterly shocked and horrified" by the shopping mall stabbing in Sydney that left six dead.

"Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who have been so brutally killed during such a senseless attack," a statement from Buckingham Palace said.

"While details of these shocking circumstances are still emerging, our thoughts are also with those who were involved in the response, and we give thanks for the bravery of the first responders and emergency services."

9-month-old baby among victims receiving treatment in hospital

From CNN's Chris Liakos and Sophie Tanno

A nine-month-old baby is confirmed to be among eight victims who have been admitted to hospital following the mass stabbing attack at Sydney's Westfield Bondi Junction shopping mall.

New South Wales police commissioner Karen Webb on Saturday confirmed that eight people are currently being treated for different injuries in hospitals around Sydney, including the infant, who has been in surgery.

Webb said "the last update I had was that it (the baby) had been in surgery and it's too early to say really. But it's awful."

She could not confirm Australian media reports that the baby's mother had died.

"I've heard that same rumour but I can't confirm that," she said.

Early indications say attack was not terror related, police say

From CNN's Chris Liakos 

New South Wales police commissioner Karen Webb said on Saturday that early indications suggest the Sydney mall stabbing attack is not terror related but cautioned that the investigation remains ongoing.

Webb told reporters that current elements do not point to a terror motive, adding however that the investigation will be ongoing "for many many days" and that it is "too early to say" what was behind the attack.

According to Webb, police believe that the suspect is a 40-year-old man but as background checks remain ongoing, she could not provide further identification details.

Webb said she was "confident" that there is no ongoing risk and that "we are dealing with one person who is now deceased."

The suspect was shot dead at the scene by a lone officer, police earlier said.

In pictures: Stabbing at Sydney shopping mall

From CNN Digital’s Photo Team

Sydney has been left stunned after a mass stabbing at a shopping mall left at least six people dead. Here are some of the latest pictures from the scene.

"Do not go down there": Witnesses describe scenes of pandemonium in Sydney shopping mall

From CNN"s Sophie Tanno

Witnesses inside the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping mall when the attack took place have described scenes of chaos.

CNN’s Australian affiliate, 9 News Sydney, spoke to an eyewitness who said people were running through the shopping center and falling over each other, describing the situation as “pandemonium.”

Two brothers who were there told 9 News they saw a baby and mother stabbed and tried to help.

“The baby got stabbed and the mum got stabbed," one of the brothers said. “We were holding the baby and trying to compress the baby. Same with the mother, trying to compress the blood from stopping.”

One man described seeing a man in a green shirt stabbing others "indiscriminately."

"[We just heard] screaming, screaming and it didn't seem that long before we heard 'boom boom boom' of the gunshot and we thought, 'We hope it's the police,'" the witness told Australia's state broadcaster ABC. "[A person] is dying 10 metres away … I grabbed towels and there were three people dying around me. "It was just carnage."

Another man who did not give his name told ABC that the attacker would have continued his deadly rampage if the police officer had not intervened.

"If she did not shoot him, he would have kept going, he was on the rampage," he said.

Woman hid at back of clothes shop for over an hour during attack

From CNN's Sophie Tanno

One eyewitness who was inside Westfield Bondi Junction shopping mall when the attack unfolded described hiding in the back of a shop.

Crystal Wang explained how, after arriving at Westfield at around 3.20pm – just as the attack began – she walked into a clothes store where "the girls at the shop shut the door behind me and turned off lights."

She continued: "I was really confused, and they told me someone is stabbing people with a knife in the mall. I was hiding at the back of the shop, saw some people fleeing, and then heard [a] few gun shots.”

At first, Crystal thought there had been a power cut, before she realized the severity of the situation she had found herself in.

"A siren went on and not long after, I heard gun shots and started to panic, I was worried the attacker also had a gun," she said. "That's when the shop assistants asked everyone to hide in their storage room."

She added that management announcements probably made the situation worse.

“They were saying 'all the customers please evacuate immediately.' "We were obviously locked inside, just really confused if we should get out of the shop or stay in. "The lady who's making the announcement is obviously panicking as well, which just made us more anxious. She was even swearing at the end of her announcements."

Crystal and other shoppers stayed in hiding for an hour and half, until they were able to leave.

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Iranian barrage of missiles and drones causes little damage, Israel says

What we know.

• Iran launched more than 300 cruise and ballistic missiles and drones at Israel, IDF officials said, a retaliatory attack weeks after an Israeli strike on the Iranian consular building in Syria killed two of Tehran’s top commanders.
• There were explosions visible in the air over Jerusalem as air sirens rang throughout the country.
• The U.S. and Israeli militaries shot down the “vast majority” of the missiles and dozens of attack drones. Some missiles struck a military base in the south, causing minor damage.
• A 10-year-old girl was severely injured by shrapnel, and about 31 people were treated for anxiety or injuries they sustained while heading to a protected area when sirens sounded.
• Iran said that after tonight's attack, the "matter can be deemed concluded" unless there is more violence.

This event has ended. Get the latest updates on Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel here

Attack a 'grave threat to regional security,' E.U. foreign affairs chief says

Josep Borrell Fontelles, the U.N.'s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, said in a post on X that it strongly condemns the Iranian attack against Israel.

Israel reopens its airspace

Paul Goldman

Richie Duchon

The airspace over Israel was reopened at 7:30 a.m. local time Sunday, a spokesperson for Israel's airport authority said in a statement.

Flights out of Tel Aviv were likely to change, and travelers should check with airlines and on the airport authority's website for updates to flight schedules.

Domestic airports would remain open throughout the day, the statement said.

Iran launched over 300 projectiles, Israeli military says

Rudy Chinchilla

Israel intercepted 99% of the more than 300 projectiles launched by Iran, and is ready for “any further developments and scenarios,” Israel Defense Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari said.

Among the projectiles were some 30 cruise missiles, none of which made it into Israel, Hagari said. Only a “few” of the more than 120 ballistic missiles launched entered Israel, with the rest being intercepted, he added.

Some of the ballistic missiles hit the Nevatim airbase, but they caused only minor infrastructure damage, and the base remained operational, Hagari said.

Iraq and Yemen also carried out launches against Israel, but none made it into the country, the IDF spokesman said. He added that “dozens” of rockets were launched from Lebanon toward the north of Israel, though Israel suffered no injuries or deaths and hit back by striking different targets in Lebanon.

A 10-year-old girl was severely injured by shrapnel, but there were no immediate reports of other Israeli injuries or deaths, Hagari said.

“Iran did something very serious, very severe this night, as it pushed the Middle East toward escalation. We will do whatever is necessary in order to defend the citizens of the state of Israel,” he said.

Netanyahu issues first public statement

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued his first public comments since Iran's overnight attack, saying in a post on X, "We intercepted, we stopped. Together we will win."

U.S. destroyed 'dozens' of missiles and drones launched by Iran

Mosheh Gains

The U.S. military shot down "dozens" of missiles and drones en route to Israel, part of an "unprecedented" attack by Iran, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement late Saturday.

The aerial attacks by Iran were launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen, he said.

"We condemn these reckless and unprecedented attacks by Iran and its proxies, and we call on Iran to immediately halt any further attacks, including from its proxy forces, and to deescalate tensions," Austin said in the statement. "We do not seek conflict with Iran, but we will not hesitate to act to protect our forces and support the defense of Israel."

Biden says he will coordinate a 'united diplomatic response' to Iran with G7 leaders

Doha Madani

President Joe Biden said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tonight, reaffirming the United States’ commitment to the security of Israel.

Military forces followed Biden's direction to help Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles, the president said. He also praised the country's ability to fend off attacks as a sign to others who threaten the security of Israel.

"Tomorrow, I will convene my fellow G7 leaders to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack," Biden said. "My team will engage with their counterparts across the region. And we will stay in close touch with Israel’s leaders."

Though no U.S. forces have been attacked, Biden said America will "remain vigilant to all threats." He condemned the Iranian regime's attack tonight in the "strongest possible terms."

U.N. Secretary General condemns Iranian attacks

António Guterres, United Nations secretary-general, condemned the Iranian attacks on Israel tonight in a statement expressing concern over the serious escalation in the Middle East.

"I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation," Guterres said. "I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East."

Guterres also condemned the April 1 attack on Iran's diplomatic premises in Damascus the day after it occurred.

He did not name Israel in that statement, which has not taken responsibility for the strike. Guterres emphasized the protection of diplomatic buildings and urged "all parties to respect all their obligations under international law."

U.N. Security Council to meet tomorrow

Rebecca Cohen

Yasmeen Persaud

The United Nations Security Council will meet Sunday following a request to hold an emergency meeting from Israel’s ambassador to the U.N.

The ambassador, Gilad Erdan, asked the council to condemn Iran's attack on his country and to designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terror organization.

"The Iranian attack is a serious threat to global peace and security and I expect the Council to use every means to take concrete action against Iran," Erdan said in a post on X, which included the letter.

The meeting will take place at 4 p.m. ET, according to a U.N. schedule released tonight.

Iranian regime exercised 'its inherent right of self-defense' following diplomatic strike, foreign ministry says

The Iranian foreign ministry released a statement tonight reiterating its position that the strikes carried out against Israel were "in exercise of its inherent right of self-defense."

“The Islamic Republic of Iran would not hesitate to take further necessary defensive measures to protect its legitimate interests against any act of military aggression or unlawful use of force,” the statement said.

The ministry cited Article 51 of the United Nations charter and said that it was responded to Israeli's "recurring military aggressions," including the strike of Iran's diplomatic building in Syria earlier this mont.

The statement went on to say that its response was a "responsible approach" amid Israel's "apartheid" against Palestinians and "military aggressions" against neighboring states.

U.S. concerned Israel will respond to Iran without thought to potential fallout

Courtney Kube

Carol E. Lee Carol E. Lee is the Washington managing editor.

Some top U.S. officials are concerned Israel could do something quickly in response to Iran’s attacks without thinking through potential fallout afterward, according to a senior administration official and a senior defense official.

Those concerns stem in part from the administration’s views of the approach Israel has taken to its war against Hamas, as well as the attack in Damascus. 

President Joe Biden has privately expressed concern that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to drag the U.S. more deeply into a broader conflict, according to three people familiar with his comments. 

The White House believes Israelis are not looking for a wider war or a direct war with Iran, but U.S. officials can’t be certain, the senior administration official said.

U.S. officials have privately expressed frustration with Israel’s decision to strike the Iranian consular building in Syria.

“I don’t think they had a strategy,” the senior administration official said. “The Israelis don’t always make the best strategic decisions.”

Senior leaders at the Pentagon also have privately expressed frustration at the timing of the Damascus strike, according to the senior defense official, because it had the potential to be “catastrophically escalatory.”

Netanyahu and Biden speaking

Yarden Segev

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently talking with President Joe Biden, according to a spokesperson for Netanyahu.

Their conversation follows discussions by the political-security cabinet and the war management cabinet, the spokesperson said.

Netanyahu's office did not disclose what the leaders discussed.

Israeli in Tel Aviv describes fighter jet sonic booms and explosions

Anna Schecter

Barak Herscowitz is hunkering down at home in Tel Aviv listening to what sounds him like a major war.

"The only sounds you hear, in a city where you would usually hear music from a nearby bar, is of fighter jets and explosions- no other sound," Herscowitz said.

Herscowitz, 38, said he is not in his safe room yet, and is feeling grateful for Israel's missile defense technology.

Hercowitz was just 7 years old when the Persian Gulf war broke out.

"I remembered today how we didn’t really have many ways to defend ourselves from both threats of that time: massive conventional missiles with mass destruction potential, and chemical weapons," he said. "This time, we have very strong air defense, almost all of the citizens have shelters in their homes — so for me, the feeling is much safer."

His real fear is for the long term: "This escalation is worrying mostly because it is unclear if Iran is dragging us to a much wider, longer and harder war on all fronts.” 

Hercowitz said he feels Israelis are resilient following more than six months of rocket fire from Iranian proxies.

"Although tonight is filled with an anxiety and I believe that no Israeli will sleep soundly, I’m optimistic we will get through these days in piece and the air defense will continue to work," he said.

Israeli security services say it treated 31 people

Israeli emergency services have been dispatched to treat 31 people who suffered from anxiety or minor injuries after emergency sirens blared throughout the country.

A statement from Magan David Adom noted that the injuries were caused "on their way to the protected area." It said it "continues to be on high alert."

A 7-year-old girl from the Bedouin diaspora was also in serious condition, but the cause of her injury is being investigated by police.

McConnell calls on House to pass national security supplemental amid Iran's barrage

Julie Tsirkin

Carly Roman

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell called out the Republican-controlled House's inaction on a Senate-passed aid package for Israel and Ukraine after Iran launched an aerial attack against Israel tonight.

“Congress must also do its part," McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, said.

"The national security supplemental that has waited months for action will provide critical resources to Israel and our own military forces in the region. It will provide overdue lethal assistance to Ukraine and equip vulnerable allies and partners in Asia to deter the PRC. And it will make urgent investments in our own defense industrial base," he continued.

McConnell also urged President Joe Biden and Congress to "discharge our fundamental duties without delay." He did not elaborate on which duties he was referencing.

Biden has repeatedly said he will defend Israel against Iran and the U.S. is shooting down some drones flying toward Israel.

Richard Engel NBC News Chief Foreign Correspondent, Host of MSNBC's "On Assignment with Richard Engel"

JERUSALEM — Israel and Iran have been at odds for decades, but what we're seeing tonight is different. Iran is directly attacking Israel, instead of hiding behind proxies or using another militant group to attack Israel, therefore, inviting Israel to retaliate directly on Iranian territory.

It's important that Iran said that after this attack, it wants the conflict to be over, but to be determined is whether Israel, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, agrees with that.

The drone attacks in Israel were the first wave of what Iran has said would be a three-wave attack. The second wave is comprised of more drones and missiles, and the third wave is ballistic missiles, which has the biggest potential to escalate this conflict into a regional war between Iran and Israel.

Many of Iran's strikes appear to be focused in southern Israel, in the Negev Desert area, where drones and missiles appear to have gotten through the air defense system.

Israeli media reported that some of the drones appeared to target the Knesset building in Jerusalem.

Biden's Situation Room meeting concludes

Kelly O'Donnell

Elyse Perlmutter-Gumbiner

President Joe Biden’s meeting with principals of the National Security Council in the White House Situation Room has concluded, per a senior administration official. It was roughly two hours long.

200 drones, missiles fired toward Israel: IDF

Over 200 different kinds of missiles and drones — including killer drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles — have been fired toward Israel in the Iranian attack that launched just hours ago, Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said.

He called the attack a "wide scale escalation" and said the IDF is operating at "full force" to protect the people of Israel.

Hagari said the vast majority of drones and missiles have been intercepted outside of Israel’s borders with the help from Israeli allies. The U.S. said it has intercepted a number of drones.

A number of missiles were dropped inside Israeli territory, causing damage to a military base, Hagari said, adding that there were no reported casualties beside a girl who was hurt. He added, "we hope she will be well."

"We are ready for any threat that will come to Israel, we will do everything we need, everything, to defend the state of Israel," Hagari said.

U.S. politicians weigh in on Iran attack against Israel

After Iran launched hundreds of drones in an attack on Israel, House Speaker Mike Johnson said, “America must show our full resolve to stand with our critical ally."

Johnson, R-La., said Israel is not alone and assured he will work with the White House "to insist on a proper response."

He also called out the Biden administration, placing some blame on it for the attack.

"The Biden administration’s undermining of Israel and appeasement of Iran have contributed to these terrible developments," Johnson said.

Other politicians reiterated Israel's right to defend itself against such an attack and pledged U.S. support.

Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the U.S. commitment to Israel is “unwavering.”

“ This is the moment for the United States to show we stand together with our allies,” the senator said. “Our shared enemies, including Iran and their proxies, need to know our commitment is unwavering.”

Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations committee, said in a statement to NBC News that “Israel has an inherent right to defend itself against these attacks from Iran and its proxies — before, during, and after they occur.”

Cardin, somewhat opposing Johnson's stance, said he supports President Joe Biden’s “iron-clad commitment to Israel’s security” and thanked his administration for taking what he said were necessary steps in recent days to support Israel as it prepared for an attack from Iran.

He reiterated that “the United States will continue to stand with Israel" and cautioned "Iranian regime leaders to not widen this already ill-conceived attack. Such escalation, especially targeting U.S. personnel and assets, should be dealt with swiftly and decisively.”

Others warned the attack could be far more extensive than it was initially thought to be.

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said on X , “The attack on #Israel by the regime in Iran is going to be more extensive than initially expected.”

So far, the U.S. has intercepted some drones launched at Israel and is working to do the same for incoming missiles.

Trump sounds off on Iran attack

Former President Donald Trump sounded off on the Iran attack on Israel at a rally in Pennsylvania tonight.

He told the crowd the attack was a product of American weakness.

"That's because we show great weakness," he told the crowd at the Schnecksville Fire Company fairgrounds. "This would not happen. The weakness that we've shown, it's unbelievable and it would not have happened if we were in office."

Trump added that "America prays for Israel" as Iranian missiles were fired toward the country.

Later on, members of the crowd could be heard chanting, "Genocide Joe! Genocide Joe!" to which Trump responded, "They're not wrong."

President Joe Biden has repeatedly said he will defend Israel against Iran and the U.S. is shooting down some drones flying toward Israel.

But his defense of the Jewish State has attracted criticism from some corners of his party, even pointing out on one occasion that some protesters who were chanting that he was “complicit in genocide” in Gaza "have a point.”

Rockets and flares burst across sky above Jerusalem

JERUSALEM — Israel's air defense systems appeared to be fully engaged in the early morning hours here. The dark skies above the Old City of Jerusalem intermittently lit up with orange flares as Israeli rockets appeared to be taking out incoming Iranian drones.

U.K. moves resources to Middle East to ‘encourage de-escalation’ of attacks

Andrew Jones

The U.K. is moving Royal Air Force jets and air refueling tankers to the Middle East "to encourage de-escalation and prevent further attacks," the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

The statement said the jets from the U.K. will intercept airborne attacks near existing missions by the country.

"We will continue to cooperate closely with our regional partners in the interest of de-escalation," the ministry statement said.

Biden meets with national security team

President Joe Biden said in a post on X this evening that he met with his national security team to discuss Iran's attack against Israel.

Biden cut short a trip to Delaware to return to the White House today.

Rocket fire streaks across sky as air-raid sirens blare in Jerusalem

Daniel Arkin

JERUSALEM — The dark sky above the Old City of Jerusalem lit up tonight with orange flashes of rocket fire as air-raid sirens rung out across the city.

The bursts of rocket fire resembled shooting stars and appeared to come from Israel's sophisticated air defense system, not the Iranian drone attacks.

Iran fired missiles at Israel, U.S. official says

A U.S. official confirmed that Iran fired missiles at Israel and that the U.S. military is trying to shoot down Iranian missiles and drones bound for Israel.

The U.S. has shot down several Iranian drones but does not have confirmation that it has successfully shot down missiles. 

House schedule to change next week in light of Iran's attack on Israel

The House's schedule will change for next week, said Rep. Steve Scalise, the House Republican majority leader, and it will refocus on considering legislation to support Israel and hold Iran accountable.

"In light of Iran’s unjustified attack on Israel, the House will move from its previously announced legislative schedule next week to instead consider legislation that supports our ally Israel and holds Iran and its terrorist proxies accountable," Scalise said.

As Iran launches a retaliatory attack against Israel, former NBC News Tel Aviv bureau chief Martin Fletcher reports on how the Israeli air defense systems are prepared to stop certain attacks, but explains why the ballistic missiles may still break through.

Iran says attack in response to 'Zionist regime’s aggression' has concluded

Iran said it conducted a military attack on Israel "in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus," and that "the matter can be deemed concluded."

The Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the U.N. said in a post on X that if Israel makes "another mistake, Iran's response will be considerably more severe," and that the matter is between Iran and Israel, and that the U.S. should stay out of it.

It said the attack was "legitimate defense" in response to the suspected Israeli attack on the Iranian consular building in Syria and was "conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter."

The drones, launched hours ago, are beginning to arrive in Israel.

Sirens sound throughout Israel

Raf Sanchez

Yael Factor

TEL AVIV, Israel — Sirens have sounded across Israel — in southern and northern Israel, and the areas of Shomron, the Dead Sea and Jerusalem, the IDF confirmed.

The sirens all sounded in the span of about three minutes.

Residents of the northern Golan Heights, as well as the areas of Nevatim, Dimona and Eilat, have been told by the Israel Defense Forces they are required to stay near protective spaces until further notice.

The IDF said residents are required to enter a protected space when sirens are activated. If there is no protected space, residents must find the most protected area possible and wait 10 minutes, it said.

U.S. military has shot down Iranian drones

The U.S. military has shot down some Iranian drones tonight, according to U.S. officials.

The military intends to shoot down Iranian drones and missiles when they come into range of U.S. assets in Iraq, Syria and at sea.

The U.S. has beefed up its air defenses in recent months since the attack on Tower 22 and has repositioned assets in the region to be ready for this Iranian attack.

NYPD says no credible threats to city

Matt Johnson

Iranian attack is 'severe and dangerous escalation': IDF spokesperson

Jay Marques

Iran launching drones toward Israel "is a severe and dangerous escalation," IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said in an English video announcement.

Hagari said the IDF is "closely monitoring Iranian killer drones that are en route to Israel sent by Iran."

"Our defensive and offensive capabilities are at the highest level of readiness ahead of this large-scale attack from Iran," Hagari continued. "Together with our partners, the Israel Defense Forces is operating at full-force to defend the state of Israel and the people of Israel."

He said, "This is a mission that we are determined and ready to fulfill."

Biden to meet Iraq's prime minister on Monday

Dennis Romero

President Biden is expected to meet with Iraq's prime minister, Mohammed Shia al Sudani, on Monday in Washington in a face-to-face discussion that has been on the president's schedule for weeks.

Their topic of discussion pertains the scope of U.S.-Iraq relations, including military presence and trade.

According to the D.C.-based military think tank Institute for the Study of War , the Islamic Resistance in Iraq could resume attacks after a monthslong pause.

The militia, including other Iran-backed groups, want the United States to leave Iraq, and the meeting could produce a crucial moment during which anti-Western forces decide whether the goal of U.S. troop withdrawal has any traction, the institute said in a critical threats update on Friday.

The think tank cites remarks by Qais Khazali, secretary general of an Iran-backed militant group, Asaib Ahl al Haq, who is said to have warned of renewed attacks if the Biden meeting doesn't result in a U.S. troop withdrawal.

Those attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq were paused in February amid talks between Washington and Baghdad on the size and shape of the United States' presence in Iraq. The wider array of Iran-backed militias in the region, the Iran-named "Axis of Resistance," rejects any plan that includes a U.S. military presence in Iraq.

At the same time, Iraq's Al Sudani has proposed deeper economic, agricultural, industrial, technological and energy ties to the United States.

A group of GOP lawmakers is decrying the Biden-Al Sudani meeting, saying in a letter last month it represents "appeasement of Iran," given the country's influence in Iraq.

Sen. Chuck Schumer said the U.S. stands with Israel

"As Israel is under attack from Iran, we stand with Israel and its people, and the United States will do everything we can to support Israel’s defense against Iran," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a post on X .

Schumer is the highest-ranking Jewish official in the U.S.

He recently called for new elections in Israel to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Netanyahu convening war Cabinet

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is convening the war management Cabinet in Kirya in Tel Aviv, his office said.

Earlier today, before Iran launched hundreds of drones toward Israel, Netanyahu said the country has been preparing for the possibility of a direct attack from Iran in recent years and weeks.

"Our defense systems are deployed, we are prepared for any scenario, both in defense and attack," Netanyahu said. "The state of Israel is strong, the IDF is strong, the public is strong."

He said he appreciated the U.S. "standing by Israel's side," as well as Great Britain, France and "many other countries."

"I established a clear principle — whoever hurts us, we hurt him. We will protect ourselves from any threat and we will do so with coolness and determination," Netanyahu said. "Together we will stand, and with God’s help — together we will overcome all our enemies."

Biden back at the White House

Caroline Kenny

President Joe Biden arrived at the White House and was headed into the Oval Office at approximately 5:04 p.m. ET.

He is to meet with principals of the National Security Council to discuss the situation in the Middle East in the Situation Room, the White House said.

Biden cut short a trip in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where he was expected to spend the weekend.

X users circulate misleading videos amid Iran attack on Israel

Janhvi Bhojwani

When news broke that Iran had launched a retaliatory attack on Israel, some users on the social media platform X uploaded misleading videos, including footage from previous drone attacks or imagery from video games.

In one, an X user posted a video from six months ago showing Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system intercepting Hamas rockets in Ashkelon. In another post flagged by a reporter for the BBC, an X user falsely suggested that imagery from the video game “Arma 3” was video from today’s drone attacks.

Iran launches attack on Israel that risks sparking regional war

Dan De Luce

Aurora Almendral Aurora Almendral is a London-based editor with NBC News Digital.

Iran launched a retaliatory attack against Israel on Saturday that risks sparking a regional conflict that could draw in U.S. military forces. The attack marked the first time that Iran has launched a direct military attack on the Jewish state. 

Israeli military officials said the attack began with more than 100 Iranian drones heading toward Israel. It will take hours before the drones arrive, and Israeli officials said they hope to intercept them.

A senior Biden administration official warned that the assault could also involve dozens of cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. 

The official said the administration expects Israeli government facilities to be targeted but not civilian or religious sites. U.S. assets in the region are also not expected to be targeted, the official said.  

The U.S. and Israel have been closely coordinating how to defend against the attack, the official said. “We’re ready. The Israelis are ready.”

Read the full story here.

Israel has 'tens of aircraft' in Israel airspace: IDF

The Israeli Defense Forces have "tens of aircraft" in Israeli skies at the moment, an IDF official said at a briefing following Iran's launching of drones toward Israel.

The IDF confirmed the launching of drones but said it cannot confirm that Iran has launched any missiles. The official said the IDF cannot confirm the type or the payload of drones launched.

The official also said they cannot confirm if there have been any interceptions yet or what Iran is targeting in Israel.

The IDF is operating on "a pre-prepared action plan," the official said, adding that the idea is to intercept the drones before they reach Israel but that they will intercept the drones over Israel if necessary.

Congressional intelligence committees received classified info on Iran's plans

Members of the House and Senate intelligence committees had classified information made available to them last week on Iran’s plans to strike Israel, two congressional officials told NBC News.

The officials said they expect briefings from administration and intelligence community officials next week when Congress returns, but those briefings have not yet been scheduled.

Lebanese airspace is closed

Lebanese airspace has been closed to all arriving, departing and crossing aircraft, Ali Hamiyah, the minister of public works in the caretaker government, said in a post on X, in light of the attacks launched from Iranian territory toward Israel.

The closure is temporary, the government said, and will start at 1 a.m. local time and will be in effect until 7 a.m. local time.

Air traffic at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport will be completely closed during the same time period, according to the statement. Updates will be made according to developments in the situation.

U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemns Iranian attack toward Israel

"I condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel. These strikes risk inflaming tensions and destabilising the region," U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement.

"Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard," Sunak added.

Sunak said the U.K. will continue to "stand up for Israel’s security" as well as that of the U.K.'s regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq.

"Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed," Sunak said.

Israeli airspace closing to all domestic and international flights

Israel's airspace will be closed to all domestic and international flights starting at 12:30 a.m. local time, a spokesperson with the Israel airport authority said.

The spokesperson said the flight schedule from Tel Aviv is likely to change due to the delay in the arrival of flights to Israel and that the Ramon Airport will be closed to traffic.

Travelers should check with airlines and on the Airports Authority website regarding new flight times, according to the spokesperson, who said they will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.

El Al cancels 15 flights

El Al has canceled 15 flights, a spokesperson for the airline confirmed to NBC News. The canceled flights were mainly from Europe to Israel.

"In light of the closure of the airspace over Israel, some El Al flights are canceled," a statement from the airline said.

Updates will be posted on El Al's website and on social media. Customers whose flights were canceled will be notified when they can book an alternative when possible.

"El Al operates according to the instructions of the security forces and is in direct contact with them," the spokesperson said.

More than 100 UAVs launched toward Israel

More than 100 unmanned aerial vehicles were launched toward Israel, the IDF confirmed to NBC News.

U.S. bracing for 'major attack' in Israel

Now that Iran has begun its retaliation against Israel, the U.S. is bracing for this to be “a major attack,” according to two senior U.S. officials.

The administration’s expectation is Iran will launch more than 100 drones, dozens of cruise missiles and dozens of ballistic missiles targeting Israeli government sites, not civilians or religious sites, one of the officials said.

The U.S. and Israel have been closely coordinating on a defense against the attack. “We’re ready. The Israelis are ready,” the official said.

Commander of U.S. Central Command Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla was in Israel for a meeting with senior Israeli officials for the past several days, and now defense officials say he is traveling in the region. During his visit, Kurilla consulted with the Israelis on a defense plan that includes U.S. help from the sea and air, as well as how Israel might respond to Iran’s attack, the senior U.S. officials said.

The administration is not expecting Iran to target any U.S. assets in the region, the officials said.

IDF says Iran has launched attacks on Israel

Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson Hagari said in a televised statement in Israel today that "Iran launched unmanned aircrafts from its territory towards the territory of the State of Israel."

He reiterated that the threat will take "several hours" to reach Israel and that the IDF and the Israeli Air Force are implementing their plan that has been prepared for this moment.

He noted that if the threat is determined to arrive sooner than expected, updates will be provided.

In a separate statement, the IDF said Iran "launched UAVs from within its territory toward Israel," adding that the IDF, including the IDF Aerial Defense Array, is on "high alert and is constantly monitoring the operational situation," as are IAF fighter jets and Israeli Navy vessels.

The IDF is also monitoring all targets, it said. Hagari said they are also monitoring the threat in the airspace.

Hagari urged Israelis to be "vigilant" and to follow directives in accordance with the plans.

"We know these threats and have dealt with them in the past. If an alert is activated in the area where you are, you must enter the protected area and stay here for at least 10 minutes," Hagari said to the Israeli people. "We will update you if you are required to stay in the protected area for a longer time."

He said Israelis will be given updates and be notified of any changes in the situation from the IDF and the Home Front Command.

"Continue to behave responsibly and calmly, as you have done so far, be careful and act according to the instructions," Hagari said.

He added: "The IDF is prepared and ready for all its formations in defense and attack. We prepared for a variety of scenarios in advance. We work in close cooperation with the U.S. and our partners in the region to act against the launches and intercept them."

"But remember," Hagari warned, "the protection is never hermetic. That is why it is very important to follow the instructions and obey the instructions of the Home Front Command, they save lives."

Biden to meet with principals of the NSC on Iran attacks

President Biden will meet with principals of the National Security Council to discuss the situation in the Middle East in the White House Situation Room, the White House said.

Earlier today, Biden was briefed on the matter by national security adviser Jake Sullivan and principal deputy national security adviser Jon Finer, according to the White House.

They will later meet with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, CIA Director Bill Burns, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, counselor to the president Steve Ricchetti and National Security Council Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk.

Vice President Kamala Harris and chief of staff Jeff Zients will also attend the meeting virtually by secure video, the White House said.

The U.S. military is ready to help defend Israel in attacks from Iran that are expected to last for hours

Iran has begun its retaliatory strikes against Israel, according to three U.S. officials.

The attacks are beginning with drones, the officials said, but they expect Iran to launch missiles as part of what is expected to be an hourslong operation that is now expected to last late into the night.

The U.S. is prepared to help defend Israel with ships, including the USS Carney, a destroyer that has been involved in shooting down Houthi projectiles but is now repositioned to help Israel, as well as other destroyers and assets, the officials said.

NSC confirms 'airborne attacks on Israel'

Allie Raffa

NSC spokesperson Adrienne Watson confirmed in a statement that Iran has launched its “airborne attacks on Israel.”

President Joe Biden is being updated about the situation in the Middle East by his national security team and plans to meet with them this afternoon at the White House, the statement said.

Additionally, Biden's team is in "constant contact" with Israeli officials, partners and allies.

The attack on Israel is likely "to unfold over a number of hours," Watson said in the statement.

"President Biden has been clear: our support for Israel’s security is ironclad," the statement said. "The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran."

Iran supreme leader had warned that Israel would be 'punished'

Earlier this week, Iran’s supreme leader,  Ayatollah Ali Khamenei , said at a prayer ceremony celebrating the end of the holy month of Ramadan that Israel “must be punished, and it will be punished.” His remarks were broadcast by Iranian state TV.

His comments came after Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz said on X that his country “will respond and attack in Iran” if it attacked from within its territory.

Iran launches drones toward Israel

Iran has launched drones toward Israel, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a statement, in an attack that Tehran had promised to carry out after its embassy in Damascus was hit last week.

U.S. restricts travel for Israel staff as Iran attack fears rise

Yuliya Talmazan

The United States has restricted travel for its staff in  Israel , as fears grow of an imminent retaliatory attack by  Iran .

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem issued  a security alert Thursday  restricting its employees and their family members from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Be’er Sheva areas until further notice “out of an abundance of caution.”

Israel threatened to strike Iran directly if it launches attack from its territory

The Associated Press

Israel’s foreign minister threatened Wednesday that his country’s forces would strike  Iran  directly if the Islamic Republic launched an attack from its territory against  Israel .

“If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will respond and attack in Iran,” Israel Katz said in a post on X in Farsi and Hebrew.