The FBI had warned about the risk of lone wolves inspired by ISIS committing attacks in the U. S. The recent New Year’s terror attack in New Orleans, carried out by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, aligned with these warnings. Jabbar drove into a crowd, killing 14 people and injuring others. FBI Director Christopher Wray had previously expressed concern to Congress regarding the potential for individuals to be radicalized by Middle Eastern events, especially after the fall of Afghanistan.
Jabbar publicly announced his support for ISIS on social media just hours before the attack. The FBI confirmed that he was completely inspired by ISIS, with ongoing investigations into his social media activities. This attack follows other ISIS-linked threats in the U. S. since significant events, including the Hamas attack on Israel, that have highlighted the growing menace of radical Islamic terrorism.
The FBI noted that ISIS has gained attention in recent years, prompting warnings from intelligence leaders about their renewed efforts to carry out attacks. The FBI identified ISIS-Khorasan, a lethal branch in Afghanistan and Pakistan, as a significant threat. Wray had voiced concerns about individual radicalization due to ongoing events in the Middle East.
Before the attack, there were few signs that Jabbar was radicalized. Family members stated that he had practiced Islam his entire life without showing violent tendencies. However, just before the attack, he expressed explicit support for ISIS online. The FBI has retrieved several devices belonging to him to better understand his motivations.
Jabbar was an Army veteran with a career in IT. Friends described him as a quiet and intelligent person who had not exhibited previous troubling behavior. However, after reconnecting with him post-service, some friends noticed an increased intensity in his religious beliefs, though not to the extent of violent extremism.
Research indicates a connection between heightened religious fervor and the potential for radicalization, which may have been relevant in Jabbar's case. His local mosque, Masjid Bilal, has faced scrutiny since the attack. Following the incident, the mosque condemned the violence and advised members against speaking to the media.
Jabbar also experienced personal issues, particularly concerning his family, which may have contributed to his troubles leading up to the attack. His ex-wife's new husband mentioned that Jabbar had begun acting erratically and had been restricted from seeing his daughters. Additionally, Jabbar had made violent remarks in videos posted before the attack but ultimately chose to target a public space to demonstrate his radical views.
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