DHS and FBI Warn of Possible ‘Copycat’ Attacks After Fatal ISIS-Inspired Incident in New Orleans – One America News Network
OAN Staff Blake Wolf
5:54 PM – Monday, January 13, 2025
The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have expressed concerns regarding potential “copycat” vehicle-ramming incidents inspired by the New Orleans terror attack on New Year’s Day.
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The attack on New Year’s Day was perpetrated by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a veteran of the U.S. Army from Texas.
Jabbar rented a truck from an online service, using it to ram into crowds celebrating on Bourbon Street, which resulted in the deaths of 14 people and injured 30 others.
Authorities disclosed that Jabbar, who died in a confrontation with police, had been radicalized by ISIS. This has raised alarms among federal agencies regarding the vehicle-ramming method as a possible tactic for future assaults.
Additionally, it was found that Jabbar displayed an ISIS flag on the rear of his vehicle during the attack.
“The FBI and DHS are alarmed about the risk of copycat or retaliatory actions given the ongoing allure of vehicle ramming as a strategy for aspiring violent extremists. Past attackers influenced by foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) have used rented, stolen, and personal vehicles for assaults in both the U.S. and abroad, which are readily accessible,” the joint statement indicated.
“Some attackers have utilized additional arms such as guns and knives to launch attacks after their vehicles have ceased moving. Moreover, attackers might try to hide and position improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to enhance a vehicle attack. Targeted individuals have included pedestrians, law enforcement, military personnel, and crowded public spaces like festivals and shopping areas, which usually have easy access from roadways,” it added.
Additionally, outgoing FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the rapidity with which individuals can be radicalized, making it increasingly challenging for the FBI to thwart potential terrorist acts.
“Jabbar was radicalized through online platforms and was intent on killing as many people as possible in ISIS’s name. This represents, in many respects, the most complex type of terrorist threat we encounter. These individuals can radicalize in weeks rather than years, and their attack methods, while still lethal, are often quite rudimentary,” Wray remarked.
The recent alerts do not offer information about any specific copycat incidents, but they do urge the public to “stay alert” and “report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement.”
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