The attacker responsible for the New Year's incident on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, had planned his actions during visits in October and November, using Meta smart glasses to record the area, according to FBI agent Lyonel Myrthil. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Army veteran linked to ISIS, rammed his truck into crowds at 3 a.m. on New Year’s Day before opening fire, killing 14 people and injuring 35 others. He was later killed in a shootout with police.
During his earlier visits to New Orleans, Jabbar rented homes and recorded video while biking through the French Quarter. On New Year’s Eve, he arrived in the city and set fire to his rental home, later planting two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in coolers on Bourbon Street. A passerby unknowingly moved one of the IEDs, which were later recovered. Investigators also discovered bomb-making materials in his Houston home and Airbnb rental.
Jabbar, who purchased firearms legally in Texas, acted alone and used a semi-automatic pistol and rifle in the attack. Authorities are now investigating Jabbar’s international travels to Egypt and Canada and his visits to U.S. cities like Atlanta and Tampa to determine if they relate to his motives.
The mass attack has raised concerns about Bourbon Street’s security measures. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced a review of the city’s plans and barriers after it was revealed that some measures, including bollards and barricades, were insufficient or improperly deployed. Officials are working to improve public safety following the tragedy. The attack and countermeasures have highlighted vulnerabilities in one of the country’s busiest pedestrian areas, emphasizing lessons from past vehicular attacks worldwide.
The FBI stresses this is an ongoing investigation, and updates will follow.
