The man responsible for the New Year's Day truck attack in New Orleans that claimed the lives of 14 individuals had a history of travel to various locations before the tragic incident unfolded. The suspect, a U.S. citizen and former U.S. Army soldier, was identified as the perpetrator of the attack that took place in the vibrant French Quarter of New Orleans.
According to FBI officials, the suspect had visited New Orleans on two occasions prior to the attack, recording video footage of the French Quarter using hands-free glasses during his visits. Additionally, the suspect had traveled to Cairo, Egypt, and Ontario, Canada, although the connection of these trips to the attack was not immediately clear.
Authorities believe that the suspect was inspired by the Islamic State militant group to carry out the deadly assault. The suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was fatally shot by police during a confrontation at the scene of the crash on Bourbon Street.
While federal investigators currently believe that Jabbar acted alone in executing the attack, they are actively exploring his contacts and associations. The FBI has released recorded video footage showing the suspect's activities leading up to the attack, including the placement of explosive devices in the French Quarter.
Following the incident, heightened security measures have been implemented in New Orleans, particularly in preparation for upcoming major events such as the Carnival season and the Super Bowl. The city is also reassessing its security infrastructure, including the installation of bollards in the French Quarter, to prevent similar attacks in the future.
President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit New Orleans to offer condolences and support to the affected families and community members. The attack, which saw the suspect proclaiming support for the Islamic State group, has underscored the ongoing threat of terrorism, both foreign and domestic, in the United States.
Authorities discovered bomb-making materials at the suspect's residence in Houston, as well as crude bombs in the vicinity of the attack site. The suspect had purchased supplies for the attack, including a cooler and gun oil, in different locations before carrying out the assault.
The tragic incident, marked by the suspect's violent actions and subsequent confrontation with law enforcement, has left a lasting impact on the city of New Orleans and raised concerns about national security in the face of evolving terrorism threats.
