A chilling video released by the FBI has provided a disturbing glimpse into the mind of ISIS-affiliated terrorist Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who carried out a deadly attack in New Orleans' French Quarter. The footage, recorded from Meta smart glasses worn by Jabbar during a reconnaissance trip to the area, shows him cycling through the crowded streets, filming the densely packed area and highlighting his meticulous planning and deliberate targeting of a popular tourist destination.
The attack, which occurred on a busy evening, claimed the lives of 14 people and left dozens injured. Jabbar used a rented pickup truck to plow through crowds on the iconic street, causing widespread destruction and chaos. Authorities later revealed that Jabbar had planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs) around the French Quarter with the intent to detonate them remotely, potentially causing even more casualties.
The swift action of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) prevented further tragedy, as officers fatally shot Jabbar before he could access the remote detonator for the IEDs. "We believe the transmitter would have worked, but for the swift action of the NOPD, who neutralized him before he could detonate the devices," said Joshua Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's New Orleans Field Division.
The investigation into Jabbar's attack is ongoing, with authorities working to piece together the extent of his connections to ISIS and any potential accomplices who may have aided in planning the attack. Jabbar, reportedly inspired by the Islamic State (ISIS), had a troubled personal history, including three ex-wives and three children, according to public records.
The French Quarter, a hub for tourists and revelers, remains in shock following the tragedy. Authorities have ramped up security in major cities across the U.S. to prevent similar incidents. The FBI is urging anyone with information about Jabbar's activities or possible accomplices to come forward. Tips can be submitted to the FBI's hotline at 1-800-CALL-FBI or through their website.
This attack underscores the continued threat posed by lone actors inspired by extremist ideologies, and it highlights the importance of vigilance and swift law enforcement response in mitigating such threats. The release of the video footage serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by these individuals and the need for continued cooperation and intelligence sharing between law enforcement agencies to prevent future attacks.
As the investigation continues, the community is coming together to support the victims and their families. The attack has left a lasting impact on the city, and authorities are working to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. The FBI's release of the video footage is a crucial step in this process, providing valuable insight into the mind of the attacker and highlighting the importance of remaining vigilant in the face of such threats.
