BBC Breakfast’s Naga Munchetty issued an on-air apology to a guest following a slight confusion. Co-hosting with Charlie Stayt on Thursday (January 2) morning, they shared the devastating news that at least 15 people had tragically lost their lives and another 30 were injured in New Orleans due to a deliberate attack by a pickup truck driver on a crowd celebrating New Year’s on Bourbon Street.
The attacker has been identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, and the FBI has stated they do not believe Jabbar acted alone in this incident, appealing for public help. The FBI is investigating Jabbar’s “potential associations and affiliations” with terrorist groups.
An improvised explosive device was discovered in the truck, and additional potential IEDs were found in the French Quarter, according to the FBI. During a conversation with eyewitness Scott Nelson, who was in a nearby nightclub when the terror unfolded, Naga experienced a blunder when she appeared to get confused.
Introducing Scott via video link, Naga said: “Scott, hello to you. I know you are not in New Orleans now but you were there. Can you just tell me what you knew as the incident was happening because you was inside a nightclub.”
Responding, the correspondent said: “Good Morning, I actually am still in New Orleans. The scene is directly behind me. I was in a nightclub probably 30 metres or so from the scene where the truck crashed and immediately we saw people fleeing the scene and law enforcements running towards it.”, reports the Manchester Evening News.
, as the Express reported. Naga then responded to his evident shock by saying: “It’s very clear that you are still shaken and you are still in the city of New Orleans now, my apologies.”
He went on to describe his “frightening” experience and spoke about the measures taken at the time of the accident.
This news comes as Naga Munchetty announces a major career development after ten years with BBC Breakfast. The 49 year old journalist has announced her intention to release a book titled ‘It’s Probably Nothing: Critical Conversations on the Women’s Health Crisis’, which is expected to be published next April.
After battling severe pain for thirty years, Naga’s new book follows her diagnosis with Adenomyosis, an endometrial disorder. Furthermore, Naga includes accounts from other women facing similar challenges in the healthcare system.