FBI & DHS Issued Warning of Copycat Vehicle Threats
The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have jointly issued an intelligence bulletin to alert the country’s 18,000 law enforcement agencies about potential copycats inspired by the devastating ramming and shooting attack that took place in New Orleans this week. According to sources from ABC News, the warning was sent out as a precaution to sensitize law enforcement across the nation to be vigilant for any signs of using vehicles as a means to cause mass casualties.
ISIS Influence on New Orleans Suspect
The bulletin highlighted that the suspect in the New Orleans attack, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, had pledged allegiance to ISIS before carrying out the brutal assault. FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia revealed that ISIS has been advocating the use of vehicles as a weapon of terrorism since 2014 and has recently intensified calls for low-tech, mass casualty attacks, particularly after the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023.
Investigation Details & Recovery of Explosive Materials
Following the New Year’s Day attack that claimed 14 lives and left 35 others injured, FBI agents and local law enforcement discovered bomb-making materials and precursor chemicals at a residence linked to Jabbar in Houston, Texas. While authorities confirmed that no other suspects are believed to be involved in the incident, the investigation is ongoing to determine if there were any possible accomplices or contacts of Jabbar prior to the attack.
Recovery of Surveillance Videos & Identification of Suspect
After a thorough review of surveillance footage, it was revealed that Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran, placed explosive devices in the area himself before changing clothes. The FBI is currently looking into whether Jabbar had any communication with individuals before the attack, but sources indicated that he acted alone during the assault. President Joe Biden assured that federal law enforcement was actively investigating any foreign or domestic connections that could be relevant to the attack.
Conclusion
As investigators continue to delve into the details of the New Orleans attack, over 400 tips have been received, and law enforcement officers are meticulously examining electronic devices belonging to the suspect for any pertinent information. Despite the tragedy that unfolded on Bourbon Street, authorities have expressed confidence in their ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of the public and host large-scale events in the city. The community remains united in offering condolences to the families of the victims as they navigate through this challenging time.