Lone-wolf attacker planted explosives before New Orleans rampage: Biden

A devastating attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day has left at least 15 dead and over 30 injured, as 42-year-old Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a truck into crowds celebrating on Bourbon Street before opening fire. US President Joe Biden has confirmed that Jabbar acted alone, although evidence suggests he was strongly influenced by ISIS ideology.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reports indicate that Jabbar planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs) inside coolers at two locations in the French Quarter just hours before the truck attack.

These devices, found at the intersections of Bourbon and Orleans Streets and Bourbon and Toulouse Streets, were safely defused by bomb technicians. Surveillance footage shows Jabbar placing the coolers, which many passersby initially overlooked.

Speaking to reporters, Biden said, “The FBI has established that Jabbar planted these explosives and used a remote detonator in his vehicle to set them off. Fortunately, the devices were rendered safe, and no additional casualties resulted from them.”

Jabbar, a resident of Houston and an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010, had posted videos on social media hours before the attack, expressing his support for ISIS and a desire to kill.

His rented truck displayed an ISIS flag, further confirming his ideological alignment with the terror group. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas highlighted this attack as part of a growing trend of homegrown violent extremism over the past decade.

The FBI is investigating whether Jabbar had any foreign or domestic contacts aiding his plans. Biden added, “Federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies are leaving no stone unturned in exploring any possible connections, both within and outside the country.”

Authorities are also probing whether there is any link between the New Orleans incident and a recent explosion in Las Vegas, though no evidence has been found so far. The Las Vegas case involves another former Army service member, and investigations into possible motives are ongoing.

Jabbar’s military background has raised questions, as he held roles in human resources and IT during his active duty and later served in the Army Reserve until 2020. According to ABC News, his roles did not involve direct combat, but his deployment to Afghanistan is under scrutiny for possible influences on his radicalization.

Biden expressed confidence in the resilience of New Orleans, stating, “New Orleans is a city of tremendous spirit. You can’t keep it down. We are making every resource available to uncover the facts and will share them transparently with the American public.”

As investigations continue, federal agencies are ramping up efforts to address the threat of homegrown terrorism, ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

With agency inputs