FBI: New Orleans Suspect Prepared for Weeks, Used Rare Explosive Materials/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The suspect in the New Orleans New Year’s attack, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, planned the truck assault for weeks and had bomb-making materials at his home, authorities revealed. The attack killed 14 people and injured 30, with federal officials identifying it as the deadliest ISIS-inspired assault in years.
Key Details: Quick Looks
- Planned Attack: Suspect reserved the truck six weeks prior and acquired bomb-making materials.
- Bomb Plot Foiled: Two improvised devices planted nearby were rendered safe by authorities.
- Casualties: 14 killed, 30 injured; victims include an 18-year-old aspiring nurse and a British citizen.
- Suspect Killed: Jabbar, 42, was shot by police after firing at officers on Bourbon Street.
- Federal Investigation: FBI determined Jabbar acted alone, citing his ISIS allegiance in social media posts.
FBI: New Orleans Suspect Prepared for Weeks, Used Rare Explosive Materials
Deep Look
The tragic New Year’s attack in New Orleans, which left 14 dead and 30 injured, was the culmination of weeks of planning by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old former Army soldier. Federal officials revealed new details Friday, painting a picture of an assailant who carefully prepared his assault, acquired bomb-making materials, and left a trail of evidence signaling his intent.
Planned Truck Attack
Law enforcement sources confirmed that Jabbar reserved the pickup truck used in the attack on November 14, indicating a premeditated act. Hours before the assault, he purchased a cooler and gun oil in Texas and Louisiana, further supporting his plans to carry out violence.
Jabbar’s rented truck was later found to contain a transmitter intended to trigger two crude bombs planted nearby in coolers. While the bombs were rendered safe, investigators believe Jabbar sought to cause even greater destruction.
Bomb-Making Materials Discovered
A search of Jabbar’s Houston home uncovered a garage workbench stocked with hazardous materials believed to be used for creating explosive devices. Additionally, his rented residence in New Orleans showed evidence of arson attempts, with accelerants placed to ignite a fire that ultimately fizzled.
Attack and Aftermath
The attack unfolded on Bourbon Street, a hub of New Orleans’ French Quarter, during New Year’s celebrations. Jabbar drove into a crowd, killing 14 people and injuring 30 before being shot dead by police.
Jabbar exited the truck wearing a ballistic vest and helmet, firing at officers and wounding two before being neutralized. Authorities described the incident as the deadliest ISIS-inspired attack on U.S. soil in years.
Victims and Impact
The victims ranged from 18 to 63 years old, including:
- An 18-year-old aspiring nurse.
- A single mother.
- A father of two.
- Edward Pettifer, a 31-year-old British citizen and stepson of Tiggy Legge-Bourke, former nanny to Prince William and Prince Harry.
Bourbon Street was somber on Friday, with locals and tourists gathering at makeshift memorials to pay respects. “New Orleans is about having a good time,” said visitor Tony Lightfoot. “He just decided to disrupt all of that.”
Federal and Local Responses
The FBI has determined that Jabbar acted alone, motivated by his allegiance to ISIS, as seen in his social media posts. The New Orleans City Council has announced plans for a committee to review security policies and ensure preparedness for future threats.
Meanwhile, heightened security measures are being implemented ahead of the Carnival season and the Super Bowl, which New Orleans will host in February.
Broader Implications
The attack underscores the lingering threat of international terrorism, with federal officials warning of a resurgent global danger. The tragic events of New Year’s have brought calls for vigilance and a reevaluation of security protocols in public spaces.
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