NEW ORLEANS (Aiexpress)– Authorities have revealed chilling details about Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the man behind the deadly New Year’s Day truck attack in New Orleans that claimed 14 lives. FBI officials confirmed that Jabbar, a former U.S. Army soldier and U.S. citizen, visited the city twice before the attack, recording video in the French Quarter using Meta smart glasses.
Federal investigators believe Jabbar was inspired by the Islamic State militant group to carry out the horrific act. However, they have not found evidence of accomplices within the United States.
Details of the Attack
Jabbar, 42, drove a rented pickup truck into the crowded Bourbon Street in the historic French Quarter on New Year’s Day. Police fatally shot him during an exchange of gunfire at the scene. Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia stated during a news conference that all current evidence suggests Jabbar acted alone.
“Investigative details and evidence we have now still support that Jabbar acted alone here in New Orleans,” Raia said. “We have not seen any indications of an accomplice in the United States, but we are still looking into potential associates in the U.S. and abroad.”
A Timeline of Suspicious Activity
According to Lyonel Myrthil, FBI special agent in charge of the New Orleans Field Office, Jabbar’s actions in the months leading up to the attack suggest careful planning. He traveled to Cairo in the summer of 2023 and then to Ontario, Canada, within days. It remains unclear if these trips are directly tied to the attack.
Jabbar’s two prior visits to New Orleans were particularly alarming. On October 31, he recorded video in the French Quarter using Meta’s smart glasses while riding a bicycle, allegedly plotting the attack. He returned on November 10.
During the attack, Jabbar wore the smart glasses, which are capable of livestreaming, but FBI agents confirmed he did not activate them.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, declined to comment on the use of their technology.
Explosive Devices and Weapon Purchases
In a further chilling detail, the FBI disclosed that Jabbar planted two explosive devices in the French Quarter on the morning of the attack. One of the devices, hidden in a cooler, was moved by an uninvolved passerby before detonation. Both devices were rendered safe by authorities.
Jabbar had also purchased a semiautomatic rifle privately on November 19 in Arlington, Texas, in a legal transaction.
Ongoing Investigations
While Jabbar’s actions appear to be those of a lone wolf, authorities are working to uncover his motivations and connections. “Our agents are working to determine where he went, who he met, and how those trips may or may not tie into his actions here,” Myrthil added.
The FBI continues to release information to the public, including surveillance footage of Jabbar’s planning activities, as they piece together his motives and actions.
Community Response
The attack has left New Orleans in shock, with Bourbon Street—famous for its vibrant and festive atmosphere—now the site of a somber investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information about Jabbar’s activities to come forward.
As the city mourns the victims of this tragic event, federal officials emphasize their commitment to preventing future acts of violence inspired by extremist ideologies.
Reference Article: Man behind New Year’s attack visited New Orleans before, recorded video with smart glasses, FBI says
