U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies are expressing concerns about potential attacks similar to the one in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. In this incident, a U.S. Army veteran drove a rented truck through a crowd in the city’s iconic district, killing at least 14 people and injuring dozens, reports VOA.
In a bulletin released Friday, the FBI concluded that Shamsud-Din Jabbari, a 42-year-old Texan, was “100% inspired” by the militant group ISIS. Jabbari, who had an ISIS flag in his rented truck, was killed in a shootout with police.
The FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and the National Counterterrorism Center warned of potential copycat or retaliatory attacks. “Given the ease of acquiring vehicles and the basic skills needed to carry out an attack, individuals inspired by such events may follow suit,” the bulletin stated.
While ISIS has not claimed responsibility for the New Orleans attack, the group’s supporters online praised the incident, as well as a separate December 20 vehicular attack in Germany. However, the German attack did not appear to be ISIS-inspired, according to the bulletin.
Online Propaganda Fuels Risks
ISIS continues to spread its propaganda and recruit supporters online despite losing its territorial “caliphate” in Syria and Iraq to the U.S.-led coalition in 2014. The bulletin noted that ISIS and affiliated media outlets have encouraged violence during New Year celebrations and released materials glorifying past attacks.
Emerging Threats with Vehicles
The New Orleans incident marks the seventh attack on U.S. soil since 2001 inspired by foreign extremist organizations. While edged weapons and firearms have traditionally been used, vehicles are increasingly becoming tools for attacks, according to the bulletin.
Biden Administration Response
President Joe Biden’s administration has kept President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team informed about the ongoing investigation. The update also covered a New Year’s Day explosion outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas.
