The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning about potential "copycat" vehicle ramming incidents following the deadly attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day, January 1, 2024. The perpetrator, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S.-born citizen from Texas and an Army veteran, carried out the heinous act on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter. Jabbar drove a speeding pickup truck around a police barricade, slamming into a crowd before engaging in a fatal shootout with law enforcement. The attack resulted in the deaths of fourteen individuals and injuries to at least 57 others.
Jabbar's actions have prompted an intensive investigation by the FBI to understand the motivations behind this tragic event. According to reports, Jabbar conducted thorough online research about New Orleans prior to the attack. He looked up details on accessing a balcony on Bourbon Street and sought information on Mardi Gras festivities and multiple shootings in the city. His investigation also included visits to New Orleans at least twice in October and November 2024, during which he stayed at a rental home starting October 30, 2024.
"The FBI, along with our partners, continue to work around the clock to determine what motivated Shamsud-Din Jabbar to drive his truck into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street," – FBI
Authorities revealed that Jabbar had applied to rent an apartment on Orleans Street, just blocks away from the attack site, but later reconsidered his decision. Analyzing his background further, it was noted that Jabbar became a more devout Muslim in 2022, with a shift towards extremist views appearing around the spring of 2024.
"During this time, Jabbar began isolating himself from society," – FBI
"Around the spring of 2024, Jabbar began following extremist views." – FBI
Hours before the attack, Jabbar posted five videos on an online platform expressing support for ISIS. In addition, he researched information about a similar vehicle ramming incident that occurred at a Christmas market in Germany just ten days prior.
"Just hours before the attack on Bourbon Street, he also searched for information about the car that rammed into innocent victims in a Christmas market in Germany just ten days before," – FBI
The FBI has highlighted the crucial role played by public assistance in piecing together the events leading up to the attack. This collaborative effort between law enforcement and citizens continues to aid the investigation.
"Thanks to the overwhelming response from the public, the FBI is closer to getting answers for those families who lost loved ones and the other victims of the New Year’s Day attack." – FBI
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