The FBI has disclosed extensive details about Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the 42-year-old terrorist who orchestrated the deadly New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans that claimed 14 lives on the iconic Bourbon Street.
FBI investigators have traced Jabbar’s suspicious international movements in the months leading up to the attack.
The Houston native and Army veteran made a significant trip to Cairo, Egypt, from June 22 to July 3, 2023, followed by a brief visit to Ontario, Canada, on July 10.
He also conducted reconnaissance missions to New Orleans in October and November, using Meta smart glasses to record footage of Bourbon Street.
“Our agents are getting answers to where he went, who he went with and how those trips may or may not tie into his actions here,” said Lyonel Myrthil, FBI special agent in charge of the New Orleans Field Office.
Fox News reported that while authorities maintain that Jabbar acted alone in executing the attack, FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia emphasized their ongoing investigation into potential connections.
“We have not seen any indications of an accomplice in the United States, but we are still looking into potential associates in the U.S. and outside of our borders,” Raia stated.
The attack’s preparation began on Dec. 31, 2024, when Jabbar purchased ice chests in Texas.
These containers were later used to conceal improvised explosive devices (IEDs) before he crossed into Louisiana.
In the early hours of Jan. 1, 2025, Jabbar strategically placed these devices at two locations along Bourbon Street – at the intersections with Saint Peter Street and Toulouse Street.
ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson stated Jabbar’s attempt to detonate the explosives failed due to his inexperience.
“He didn’t have access to a detonator, so he used an electric match in its place to try to set off the explosive material,” Jackson explained, noting the terrorist’s “lack of understanding” of explosive mechanisms.
“We believe that the transmitter would have functioned, and would have worked, but for New Orleans PD putting him down before he could get access to that transmitter and set off the devices,” said Jackson, according to the New York Post.
Before the deadly vehicle rampage, Jabbar set a fire on Mandeville Street, which investigators believe was intended as a diversionary tactic.
He then drove a rented Ford pickup truck through crowds of New Year’s celebrants on Bourbon Street, per Fox News.
Though wearing Meta glasses during the attack, he did not activate them to livestream his actions.
The rampage ended in a fatal shootout with police, but not before claiming 14 lives and leaving dozens injured.
Evidence recovered from the scene included a black ISIS flag from the rental truck.
Resist the Mainstream reported last week that hours before the attack, Jabbar had posted videos online pledging allegiance to the terrorist organization.
The victims’ ages ranged from 18 to 63, with most in their twenties, according to the New Orleans coroner’s office.
President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden planned to visit New Orleans on Monday to “grieve with the families and community members impacted by the tragic attack,” Fox reported.
