In a chilling sequence of events leading to a catastrophic New Year’s attack on New Orleans’ iconic Bourbon Street, the assailant, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, meticulously scouted the area using cutting-edge technology and undertook comprehensive preparations in the months leading up to the assault. According to FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge, Lyonel Myrthil, Jabbar visited the city twice before the deadly incident, potentially providing him ample opportunity to plan his attack with precision.
Jabbar, an Army veteran with known affiliations to ISIS, didn’t just rely on his experiences on the ground. During his visits on October 30 and again on November 10, he utilized Meta smart glasses to digitally capture and analyze the bustling scenes of New Orleans, cycling through the French Quarter while recording video footage. Although these smart glasses were not activated during the attack itself, they were recovered posthumously, hinting at his elaborate preparation strategy.
The horrifying attack unfolded in the early hours of January 1st when Jabbar drove a pickup truck into a dense crowd of partygoers, leading to the heartbreaking deaths of 14 individuals and injuring at least 35 more. The rampage only ceased after Jabbar was fatally shot in an exchange with police. Following the attack, significant scrutiny was directed toward the security measures of one of America’s most pedestrian-heavy streets.
As part of the response, New Orleans Police Department emphasized that robust security protocols are in place, especially with the city gearing up for its Carnival season. Efforts include a comprehensive security plan intended to protect revelers during the festivities starting with the Joan of Arc parade. However, specific details of their operational strategies remain confidential as the department seeks to assure public safety collaboration with other agencies.
The attack has brought to light unresolved questions regarding the ability of vehicles to access pedestrian areas in a city celebrated for its vibrant, foot-traffic-dominated nightlife. An ongoing investigation has unveiled additional layers to Jabbar’s plot, including his attempts to set fire to a rental property potentially as a diversionary tactic. Moreover, authorities discovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that Jabbar had left on Bourbon Street, although these potentially catastrophic devices were fortunately neutralized.
Jabbar’s nefarious activities included purchasing a semi-automatic rifle through a legal private sale in Texas and conducting enigmatic international travels to Egypt and Canada, further complicating the investigative trail. Authorities are diligently piecing together his intentions and connections stemming from these trips, with the hope of unveiling any larger networks or plots.
Amid the tragedy, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has called for a comprehensive review of the city’s security measures. The city had begun installing new vehicle barriers along key streets, although these were not yet operational. Previous security assessments had warned of potential threats involving vehicular attacks, yet the city’s preparations fell short on New Year’s Eve.
The events have underscored a dire need for enhanced security oversight. The city’s existing bollard system was found ineffective, with barriers either not raised or incapable of stopping high-speed impacts. The consultative security review initiated by Mayor Cantrell aims to address these shortcomings, ensuring more robust defenses are in place against future threats.
As New Orleans mourns its loss, the focus remains steadfast on fortifying the city’s defenses while maintaining its rich cultural tapestry that draws visitors from around the globe. As investigations continue, officials are committed to showcasing both resilience and readiness, providing assurances that lessons will be learned from this tragic event to better protect its citizens and visitors in future events.