Fox News - FBI, officials give update on New Orleans terror attack probe
The investigation into a terrorist attack in New Orleans involves over a thousand law enforcement officers from various agencies, including the FBI, Louisiana State Police, and local police. The attack resulted in 14 deaths and 35 injuries. Authorities have declared an emergency to streamline resources and communication. The suspect, Shamsa Din Jabar, acted alone, and the attack was premeditated. Jabar, a U.S. military veteran, expressed support for ISIS online before the attack. The FBI is analyzing digital evidence, including three phones and two laptops, and has recovered an ISIS flag and two IEDs. The public is urged to provide any information they might have. Despite the attack, New Orleans is preparing for the Sugar Bowl, with increased security measures in place. The city remains committed to hosting large events safely, with support from federal and state resources.
Key Points:
- Over 1,000 law enforcement officers are involved in the investigation.
- The attack was a premeditated act of terrorism by a lone suspect, Shamsa Din Jabar.
- Authorities have recovered digital evidence and two IEDs, and are analyzing them for leads.
- Public safety measures are heightened for the Sugar Bowl and future events.
- The public is encouraged to provide any information related to the attack.
Details:
1. 🧩 Puzzle of the Investigation: Initial Steps
- Over 1,000 law enforcement agents and officers have been involved, indicating extensive resource allocation and manpower commitment to the investigation.
- The investigation involves a detailed analysis of data, videos, and surveillance materials, indicating a thorough and methodical approach to evidence gathering.
- Multiple agencies, including the New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana State Police, FBI, and other federal agencies, are participating, illustrating a wide-ranging inter-agency collaboration.
- Each agency has specific roles: New Orleans Police manage local operations, Louisiana State Police provide state-level support, and the FBI offers federal expertise and technical resources.
- An emergency declaration has been issued to expedite processes and resource deployment, highlighting the situation's urgency and critical nature.
2. 🚨 Emergency Response and Coordination
- The emergency declaration facilitates streamlined communication and resource allocation among state, local, and federal partners, enhancing coordination efforts.
- Coordination efforts include managing an active criminal investigation while preparing for significant local events like the Sugar Bowl, indicating a dual focus in crisis management.
- Key resources deployed include the Louisiana State Police, Louisiana National Guard, and an entire MP Company, which act as force multipliers to bolster the city's security.
- State agencies like Wildlife and Fisheries, Department of Corrections, Veterans Affairs, and Probation and Parole are actively contributing to maintaining city security, each playing distinct roles.
- The FBI supports local efforts, with specific involvement from Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Rehea of the Counter Terrorism Division and local special agents, highlighting federal-level engagement.
- The severity of the crisis is underscored by 14 fatalities and 35 injuries, emphasizing the urgent need for effective response and coordination.
3. 🔍 FBI's Intensive Investigation Efforts
- The FBI has dedicated all available resources to meticulously track every piece of evidence and lead related to the incident.
- This incident is officially classified as an act of terrorism, characterized as premeditated and evil.
- Investigators are aggressively pursuing tips and information, a process acknowledged to be time-intensive.
- Despite the investigation being just over 24 hours old, significant progress is being made.
- Currently, the FBI's findings suggest that no one else besides the identified suspect, Shamsa Din Jabar, is involved in the attack.
- The FBI employs advanced forensic and digital analysis techniques to ensure comprehensive coverage and resolution.
4. 📹 Evidence Collection and Analysis
- The FBI has surged people and assets from across the region and nation to assist with the investigation.
- Special agents from multiple field offices have been deployed to assist with the investigation.
- Additional teams of special agents, professional staff, and victim specialists are arriving to provide investigative power and assistance to victims and families.
- Critical Incident Response Group assets, including hostage rescue teams and bomb technicians, have been deployed.
- Over 400 tips from the public have been received and are being followed up across the country.
- Hundreds of hours of surveillance and other videos from the French Quarter and other locations are being reviewed.
- Investigators believe Jabar rented an F-150 in Houston, Texas on December 30th, drove to New Orleans on December 31st, and posted videos supporting Isis.
- Five videos were posted on Jabar's Facebook, starting at 1:29 a.m. and ending at 3:02 a.m., where he expressed intentions to harm but changed plans due to media focus concerns.
- Jabar stated he joined Isis before the summer and provided a will and testimony.
- The FBI and ATF have released the scene at Bourbon Street and have a scene off a Mandeville address.
5. 🚔 Understanding the Attack and Ensuring Safety
5.1. Details of the Attack
5.2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering
6. 📞 Public Call for Information and Witnesses
6.1. Call for Information and Witnesses
6.2. Investigation Details and Involvement
7. 🏙️ City Preparedness and Confidence Building
7.1. City Preparedness and Confidence Building
7.2. Victim Support and Resources
8. 🤝 Law Enforcement Unity and Support
8.1. Community Support and Resources
8.2. Preparedness for Public Events
8.3. Enhanced Law Enforcement Presence
8.4. Resilience, Public Spirit, and Event Continuation
9. 🗣️ Addressing Public Concerns and Reassurances
9.1. Shift in Narrative and Transparency
9.2. Investigation and Safety Measures
9.3. Clarifications and Continuing Investigation
10. 🛡️ Final Safety Measures and Future Outlook
- Conducted hundreds of interviews and analyzed social media reviews to identify any connections of the perpetrator, finding none.
- Analyzed five devices, including three cell phones and two laptops, with no indication of accomplices, ensuring the perpetrator acted alone.
- Increased confidence in understanding the situation 24 hours post-incident, with ongoing updates anticipated as new information emerges.
- Future actions include continuous monitoring and updates to ensure public safety and prevent similar incidents.