Shamsud Din Jabbar made two scouting journeys to New Orleans previous to his New 12 months’s Day assault on Bourbon Avenue, the FBI says.
FBI Particular Agent in Cost Lionel Merkel detailed Jabbar’s preparation throughout a Sunday information convention, describing his travels, surveillance efforts, and use of superior know-how within the lead-up to the terrorist assault, when he drove a pickup truck by means of police obstacles in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter, killing 14 and injuring not less than 35 others. Jabbar additionally was killed in a shootout with lawmen.
“FBI New Orleans deeply mourns the loss of those who tragically lost their lives and extends our hearts to those who endured the panic and horror of witnessing this act of terror,” Merkel stated. “Today, we’re providing a clearer picture of the planning and steps Jabbar took to carry out this heinous attack.”
Jabbar posted 5 movies to Fb between 1:29 a.m. and three:02 a.m. on Jan. 1, proclaiming his allegiance to the Islamic State group, often known as ISIS, and explaining his motivations. The pickup truck he was driving additionally had an ISI flag in it.
The investigation revealed that Jabbar traveled extensively within the months earlier than the assault, visiting New Orleans in October and November 2024. Throughout these journeys, he reportedly stayed at rental properties, performed surveillance utilizing high-tech glasses able to recording video, and familiarized himself with the French Quarter’s structure.
Jabar was seen sporting the glasses and driving a motorbike by means of the French Quarter throughout his October go to, capturing footage of the realm. Authorities have requested anybody who might have encountered Jabbar throughout these journeys to return ahead.
On Dec. 31, he rented a white pickup truck and drove from Texas to Louisiana, Merkel stated. Surveillance footage confirmed him arriving at a rental residence on Vanderbilt Avenue in New Orleans about 10 p.m. Hours later, he drove the truck to the French Quarter, Merkel stated.
Between 12:41 a.m. and three:15 a.m., Jabbar strategically positioned improvised explosive gadgets (IEDs) at key places on Bourbon Avenue, together with in coolers left on road corners, none of which detonated.
The explosive supplies recovered on the Mandeville Avenue tackle have been recognized as R-Salt, a substance comparable in composition to the generally accessible RDX, the ATF stated. Supplies from the rental residence additionally examined optimistic for RDX.
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“Typically, RDX requires specific detonators or safety mechanisms to ensure proper activation,” an ATF consultant stated. “Jabbar’s devices used a substitute mechanism, which reflects a lack of understanding about how these materials function.”
Jabbar additionally traveled to Japan and Egypt in 2023, and investigators are working to find out whether or not these journeys contributed to his radicalization or planning.
Syndicated with permission from The Heart Sq..
