Shamsud-Din Jabbar had reportedly discussed plans to kill his family and join the terrorist group in a series of recordings.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a US Army veteran suspected of being behind the New Orleans terrorist attack that left 15 dead, was “100% inspired” by Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS), the FBI confirmed on Thursday. He allegedly recorded a series of videos in which he pledged allegiance to the group, CNN reported the same day, citing several officials.
The FBI is now investigating further into the suspect’s radicalization path, deputy assistant director of the bureau’s counterterrorism division, Christopher Raia, said at a news conference Thursday morning. He also said investigators believe Jabbar acted alone.
“We do not assess at this time that anyone else is involved in this attack other than Shamsud-Din Jabbar,” Raia said. US President Joe Biden had said federal investigators were examining a “possible connection” between the New Orleans attack and the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck in Las Vegas that occurred on Wednesday.
CNN reported Thursday that Jabbar did what it described as “chilling recordings” in which he shared some of his plans. The videos are being examined by authorities, the station said, adding that it was unable to review them. The clips were reportedly taken as the suspect was driving at night, possibly from Texas to Louisiana, officials told CNN.
In the videos, Jabbar allegedly talked about his plans to get his family together for a fake party. “celebration” to be able to kill them. He then said that he changed his plans to join ISIS and also mentioned some “dreams” who had allegedly encouraged him to pledge allegiance to the terrorist organization.
Jabbar drove a pickup truck into a crowd of revelers celebrating New Year’s Day on Bourbon Road early on the morning of Jan. 1, 2025. He then exited the vehicle and opened fire on responding police officers. The attack left 15 dead, including the suspect. Another 35 people were injured.
An ISIS flag was found on Jabbar’s vehicle at the scene. The FBI also said its specialists recovered two improvised explosive devices left by Jabbar in the Bourbon Road area.
The suspect was identified as a U.S. Army veteran who served from 2007 to 2015 on active duty and continued in the Army Reserve until 2020. He was deployed to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010.
