ABC News - New Orleans terror attack suspect made videos before the deadly rampage: Sources
The New Year's Day terror attack in New Orleans involved a suspect, Shamsu Djabar, who had posted videos on social media before the attack, indicating his radicalization and intent to join ISIS. These videos, made in a rented pickup truck, revealed his mindset and plans to carry out a significant act of violence. The suspect expressed a desire to focus attention on what he called a war between believers and disbelievers. The FBI is investigating the suspect's digital and physical footprints and has received nearly 1,000 tips in the first two days. The city of New Orleans is responding by installing new security measures, including security bollards on Bourbon Street, to enhance safety ahead of upcoming events like the Super Bowl. A vigil was held for the 14 victims, and President Biden is scheduled to visit the city to offer condolences. There is no evidence that the suspect's social media activity was flagged to law enforcement before the attack.
Key Points:
- Suspect Shamsu Djabar posted videos indicating radicalization and intent to join ISIS before the attack.
- The FBI has received nearly 1,000 tips and is investigating the suspect's digital and physical footprints.
- New security measures are being implemented in New Orleans, including bollards on Bourbon Street.
- A vigil was held for the 14 victims, and President Biden plans to visit New Orleans.
- No evidence suggests the suspect's social media activity was flagged before the attack.
Details:
1. 🕯️ Vigil Held in Memory of New Orleans Victims
- A vigil was held in New Orleans overnight to honor the victims of a New Year's Day terror attack, reflecting the community's grief and solidarity.
- The suspect, whose details are gradually emerging, is under investigation, with authorities probing potential motives and background.
- Community leaders and citizens gathered to pay respects and support the victims' families, showcasing a unified front against violence.
- The incident has prompted heightened security measures and discussions on preventive strategies in the city.
2. 🔍 Insight into the Suspect's Actions and Motives
- Investigators are analyzing the suspect's social media videos posted before the attack to trace his radicalization timeline.
- These videos provide insights into the suspect's mindset, showing a progression towards radical views.
- Examples of the content include expressions of extremist beliefs and justifications for potential violence.
- The investigation focuses on specific videos that illustrate a clear shift in ideology over time, which are crucial for understanding his motives.
3. 🎥 Unveiling the Suspect's Disturbing Videos
- Shamsu Djabar recorded multiple videos in a rented pickup truck at 1:00 a.m. on New Year's Day, suggesting a calculated timing for his messages.
- In a calm demeanor, Djabar declared allegiance to ISIS, having joined earlier in the year, highlighting a significant radicalization process.
- He revealed contemplations of harming his family but expressed a desire for actions with a larger impact, indicating a shift in his targets.
- Djabar's rhetoric focused on a 'war between the Believers and disbelievers,' demonstrating a clear ideological motivation for his intended actions.
- The videos provide insight into Djabar's mindset and the depth of his radical beliefs, emphasizing the potential threat he poses.
4. 📢 FBI's Efforts and Public Appeal Post-Attack
4.1. FBI's Investigation Efforts
4.2. Public Engagement and Support
5. 🚧 Enhanced Security Measures in New Orleans
- New security bollards are being installed on Bourbon Street in New Orleans to enhance public safety in response to a recent tragic event.
- The tragic event involved a vehicular incident that highlighted vulnerabilities in pedestrian-heavy areas, prompting urgent infrastructure upgrades.
- This initiative is being prioritized to be completed before the upcoming Super Bowl, a high-traffic event, reflecting a strategic focus on ensuring safety during major events.
- The updates include not only physical barriers but also an integration of surveillance technologies to monitor and manage crowd movements effectively.
- These measures are part of a broader city-wide strategy to improve safety and prevent similar incidents in the future, showcasing a commitment to proactive urban planning.
6. 🕯️ Community Remembrance and Honoring Lives Lost
- A vigil was held to remember the 14 lives lost, demonstrating the community's commitment to honoring the deceased and showing solidarity in the face of tragedy.
- Personal stories, like that of Latasha Pulk, highlight the deep personal impact and collective grief experienced by families and community members, emphasizing the human dimension of the tragedy.
- Despite the tragedy, there has been no evidence that the perpetrator's social media activities were flagged to law enforcement before the attack, indicating potential gaps in monitoring and response systems.
- President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden's scheduled visit underscores the federal government's recognition of the tragedy's impact and its support for the affected community.
7. 📺 Upcoming Discussions on National Security and Public Safety
- Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas will discuss the New Orleans attack and wider terror threat environment, providing a strategic overview of current national security challenges and responses.
- Representative Michael McCaul will offer insights on national security issues, potentially including legislative perspectives and policy recommendations to address pressing concerns.
- Former White House COVID coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha will explore concerns about the spread of bird flu, highlighting the potential public health implications and strategies for prevention and control.