The attack that occurred on January 1 in New Orleanswhich left more than 10 dead and dozens injured, has brought to light new details that point to meticulous planning and motivations linked to extremism. According to CBS News, Shamsud-Din Jabbarthe person responsible for the attack, He had bomb-making materials at his residence in Houston.which reinforces the hypothesis that the attack was premeditated and of a terrorist nature. Jabbar, a 42-year-old American citizen from Texasacted inspired by the extremist group ISISalthough no evidence has been found that he maintained direct contact with the organization.
The attack took place in the early hours of New Yearwhen Jabbar He rammed a rented van into dozens of people which they celebrated on Bourbon Street, one of the busiest areas of the French Quarter in New Orleans.
According to CBS NewsJabbar was killed by the police at the scene. Authorities later found and deactivated two improvised explosive devices (IED) that the attacker had placed in the area.
During the search of Jabbar’s home in Houston, federal agents They found materials used in the manufacture of explosives. Although the exact list of components has not been revealed, CBS News reported that the finding suggests that Jabbar planned the attack in advance. The authorities classified the arsenal as part of a deliberate preparation to increase the number of victims and the magnitude of the attack.
Jabbar was wearing a bulletproof vest at the time of the attack and was armed with a rifle AR-15 and a gun, according to authorities CBS News. The explosives he placed in Bourbon Street They were hidden in coolers and contained shrapnel (nails, screws, and tacks) designed to maximize damage. Although described as rudimentary devices, these were fully functional and could have caused numerous casualties if they had detonated.
Before the attack, Jabbar stayed in a Airbnb in New Orleans. CBS News reported that on the Wednesday following the attack, the property was the scene of a fire that, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)was provoked by Jabbar himself with the intention of destroying evidence. The fire originated in several rooms where suspicious materials and strategically located accelerants were found. However, the fire was contained before causing significant damage, allowing investigators to recover key items for the investigation.
The FBI has described the attack as domestic terrorism. Investigations revealed that Jabbar posted videos on social media in the days before the attack, expressing his support for the extremist group ISIS. CBS News indicated that, during the attack, Jabbar carried a group flagwhich was tied to the trailer hitch of the truck used to ram into the crowd.
Although no evidence has been found that Jabbar received direct instructions from members of ISIS, the FBI believes that his actions were inspired by tactics promoted by the group, reflecting the extent of extremist propaganda over the Internet. Authorities have warned of the risk of attacks carried out by autonomously radicalized individuals, a recurring strategy promoted by ISIS to maximize impact and chaos without the need to coordinate complex operations from abroad.
A federal report after the attack noted that vehicle attacks, followed by the use of explosives or firearms, have been part of ISIS tactics for several years. This modus operandi has been identified in previous attacks in Europe and the United Statesunderscoring the persistent threat of terrorism inspired by this ideology.
The attack has generated a strong reaction from US authorities and legislators. He House Homeland Security Committee received a detailed report from the FBI on the case, according to CBS News. Security agencies have reinforced preventive measures in high-traffic areas, such as festivals and public celebrations, with special attention in cities with high tourist flow such as New Orleans.
National security officials have reiterated the need to increase vigilance against possible imitators that can replicate similar attacks. The authorities have urged citizens to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to prevent future attacks.
The attack in New Orleans has highlighted the challenges the United States faces in dealing with autonomously radicalized individuals. Digital platforms have facilitated the spread of extremist contentwhich has allowed people like Jabbar to adopt violent ideologies without having direct contact with terrorist cells.
The investigation remains ongoing and authorities continue to analyze evidence collected in Houston and New Orleans. Meanwhile, the affected community is in the process of recovery, facing the aftermath of the attack and the uncertainty left by this type of act of extreme violence.
