Shamsud Din Jabbar acted alone, supported ISIS ideology, and planned the attack as a ‘war between believers and disbelievers.’
Washington DC [US], January 3: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has officially confirmed that Shamsud Din Jabbar, the perpetrator behind the New Orleans New Year’s Eve attack, was a lone wolf terrorist acting in support of the Islamic State (ISIS).
During a press conference, Deputy Assistant FBI Director Christopher Raia revealed that Jabbar had posted multiple videos on social media before the attack, pledging his allegiance to ISIS and expressing concerns about media coverage.
Attack Timeline and Motive
Jabbar reportedly rented a Ford F-150 truck from Houston, Texas, on December 30, before driving to New Orleans on December 31. In the hours leading up to the attack, he uploaded five videos on Facebook, outlining his intent.
“In his first video, Jabbar explained that he had initially planned to harm his family and friends but was concerned that such an act would not highlight the ‘war between believers and disbelievers’ in news headlines. He also declared that he had joined ISIS earlier in the summer and even provided a will and testament,” Raia said.
Evidence Found in the Vehicle
Authorities discovered an ISIS flag and suspected explosive devices in Jabbar’s rented vehicle following the attack.
Casualty Details
The FBI confirmed 14 deaths resulting from the incident, while earlier reports from the New Orleans Coroner suggested the toll had reached 15 fatalities, with dozens more injured.
FBI’s Ongoing Investigation
“This was an act of terrorism—a premeditated, evil act,” Raia declared. He emphasized that Jabbar appeared to have been radicalized online and acted independently, though investigations into his ‘path to radicalization’ are ongoing.
President Biden’s Assurance
US President Joe Biden reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring public safety and supporting ongoing investigations.
“I directed my team to ensure every resource is available to federal, state, and local law enforcement to quickly complete the investigation and to ensure that there is no remaining threat to the American people,” Biden said.
The investigation remains active, with authorities continuing to examine Jabbar’s online activities, associates, and potential links to broader extremist networks.
