The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) revealed on Tuesday that Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a New Orleans-based ISIS terrorist, had conducted online research on the type of vehicle used in a fatal German Christmas market attack. This research was carried out just days before Jabbar executed his own attack on New Year’s Day.
Jabbar had hidden a transmitter in a truck with the intention of detonating two bombs. Security footage showed him visiting New Orleans several weeks prior to the attack. An initial examination of his devices revealed that he had also conducted searches about previous shootings in New Orleans, the city’s renowned Mardi Gras celebration, and even methods to access a balcony on the famous Bourbon Street.
The FBI’s latest update reported that the attack resulted in 57 injuries and 14 fatalities. Jabbar, a 42-year-old who had become a more devout Muslim in 2022, had conducted some of his online research just hours before he drove a rented truck into a crowd celebrating in the city’s historic French Quarter on New Year’s Day.
The FBI’s investigation into Jabbar’s activities prior to the attack is ongoing. The agency is working to piece together a timeline of events and to understand the motivations behind his actions. The fact that Jabbar had researched the German Christmas market attack suggests that he may have been inspired by previous acts of terrorism.
The attack has left the city of New Orleans in shock, with residents and officials grappling to understand how such a tragedy could occur in their city. The incident has also raised questions about the effectiveness of current counter-terrorism strategies and the need for increased vigilance in monitoring online activities that could signal potential threats.
The FBI’s revelations about Jabbar’s online activities prior to the attack underscore the importance of monitoring online platforms for potential signs of terrorist activity. It also highlights the need for increased security measures during large public events, such as the city’s famous Mardi Gras celebration.