U.S. officials are investigating whether the suspect in the New Orleans attack had ties to terrorist groups, as an Islamic State flag and potential explosive were found in the truck. Counterterrorism specialists believe the suspect wanted to show his alignment with ISIS and inspire others. Officials have been warning about the potential for small radicalized groups or lone-wolf terrorists to carry out attacks in the U.S. inspired by conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Central Asia. The Islamic State has been making a comeback since the destruction of its caliphate in Syria in 2019.