What We Know About the Assailant in New Orleans Truck Attack
Background
The FBI has identified the attacker responsible for killing 14 and injuring 35 during a ramming incident and subsequent shooting in New Orleans as 42-year-old Shamsud-din Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran and lifelong Texan. Jabbar, who had posted videos online proclaiming his support for the terrorist group ISIS in the days prior to the New Year’s Day attack, rented a Ford F-150 truck in Houston on December 30 and drove to New Orleans the next evening.
The Videos and the Attack
According to the FBI, Jabbar posted five videos online to social media, including one in which he explains that he originally planned to harm his family and friends but was concerned that the news headlines would not focus on the “war between the believers and disbelievers.” The videos show Jabbar turning past a police car meant to block traffic on Bourbon Street before speeding through the area, mowing down New Year’s revelers. Authorities said Jabbar died in the shootout with police.
FBI’s Investigation
The FBI recovered an ISIS flag from Jabbar’s truck and claimed to have joined the group last summer. The agency also found two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) inside coolers, which were later rendered safe. While authorities believe Jabbar acted alone in carrying out the attack, they still want to talk to those who knew him.
Personal Life
Court records show that Jabbar was twice divorced and was recently in financial trouble. In 2022, he emailed his then-wife’s attorney to ask about speeding up the divorce process, citing his inability to afford his house payment and the risk of foreclosure if the divorce was delayed.
Radicalization
The FBI acknowledged that it is unclear what was Jabbar’s path to radicalization. While he posted videos online proclaiming his support for ISIS, the agency has not yet released information on what led him to adopt extreme beliefs.
Conclusion
The New Orleans truck attack was a tragic and senseless act of terrorism that resulted in the loss of 14 lives and the injury of 35 others. As the investigation continues, it is essential for authorities to work with the community to understand the motivations behind Jabbar’s actions and to prevent similar attacks in the future.
FAQs
* What was the motive behind the attack?
+ The FBI believes Jabbar acted alone, but the motive is still unclear.
* How did Jabbar radicalize?
+ The FBI has not yet released information on what led Jabbar to adopt extreme beliefs.
* What was Jabbar’s personal life like?
+ Jabbar was a U.S. Army veteran, a real estate agent, and a Texan native. He was twice divorced and in financial trouble.
* Are there any other suspects?
+ The FBI believes Jabbar acted alone, but they still want to talk to those who knew him.
