Nathan Williams, a College of New Orleans scholar, lights a candle at a memorial on Bourbon Avenue on Friday for the victims of a lethal truck assault on New 12 months’s Day in New Orleans.
Gerald Herbert/AP
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Gerald Herbert/AP
The FBI has revealed that the person who allegedly carried out the New 12 months’s Day assault in New Orleans had just lately visited the town twice beforehand, and used “sensible glasses” to report video of the world he later focused.
In a press convention on Sunday, Lyonel Myrthil, the FBI particular agent accountable for the New Orleans discipline workplace, stated that Shamsud-Din Jabbar had traveled to New Orleans simply weeks forward of the assault that killed 14 individuals and injured many extra.
One journey happened in October, whereas the opposite was in November. Myrthil additionally stated Jabbar had ridden by way of the town’s French Quarter on a bicycle carrying sensible glasses made by Ray-Ban which are able to recording video and are related to a consumer’s Fb account.
Myrthil additionally stated Jabbar traveled to Cairo, Egypt, in 2023 and Ontario, Canada, in the summertime of 2024, though it isn’t clear whether or not these journeys had been related to the assault. Jabbar was a former U.S. Military soldier who turned impressed by ISIS, in accordance with investigators.
The FBI stated it’s pursuing leads in Houston, the place Jabbar lived, in addition to Tampa, Fla.
“Our brokers are getting solutions to the place he went, who he went with and the way these journeys could or could not tie into his actions right here,” Myrthil stated.
Sunday’s press convention supplied a extra detailed timeline of Jabbar’s actions within the moments main as much as the assault, when he allegedly drove a truck right into a crowd celebrating the New 12 months on New Orleans’ storied Bourbon Avenue.
FBI brokers confirmed video of Jabbar planting improvised bombs earlier than the assault. Jabbar’s rental truck contained a transmitter that was meant to set off the units, in accordance with investigators, however they didn’t explode. Two of the bombs had been left in coolers, one among which was stated to have been dragged round by unsuspecting revelers on New 12 months’s Eve.
After his truck crashed on the finish of the assault, Jabbar exited the car and fired at police, wounding no less than two officers, earlier than he was fatally shot.
The FBI stated it had recovered two semi-automatic weapons that Jabbar had with him within the truck: a 9mm pistol and a 308-caliber rifle. The rifle had a “privately-made silencer,” which was bought throughout a personal sale in Texas, investigators stated.
On leaving the home he was staying in earlier than the assault, Jabbar additionally set a small hearth in a hallway, however the flames burned out earlier than firefighters arrived, the FBI stated.
The FBI nonetheless believes Jabbar carried out the assault by himself.
“All investigative particulars and proof that we’ve got now nonetheless help that Jabbar acted alone right here in New Orleans,” stated FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia. “We’ve not seen any indications of an confederate in america, however we’re nonetheless trying into potential associates within the U.S. and out of doors of our borders.”
Officers stated they’re nonetheless not sure what the motive was for the assault, or why he selected New Orleans.
Additionally on the press convention, New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell stated the town is working to enhance security, bringing in a tactical knowledgeable to evaluate safety throughout the area. Mardi Gras parades start Monday, and the town is internet hosting the Tremendous Bowl subsequent month. Police have used a number of automobiles and barricades to dam visitors at Bourbon and Canal streets because the assault.
Cantrell additionally spoke of preparations for the go to of President Biden, who’s planning to journey to New Orleans with first woman Jill Biden on Monday to grieve with the households of victims.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry additionally spoke at the beginning of the press convention, saying the harmless lives misplaced won’t ever be forgotten. Landry has declared a interval of mourning for the victims, starting on Monday, with a distinct sufferer to be remembered every day.
On Saturday, the final of the 14 victims of the assault had been recognized: LaTasha Polk, a nursing assistant in her 40s, and a British man, Edward Pettifer. Pettifer was the stepson of a former nanny to the Royal Household, which led Prince William, son of King Charles, to precise his shock and disappointment on the dying.
The coroner’s workplace stated all of the victims died from blunt drive accidents. Most victims had been of their 20s, with the youngest sufferer 18 years previous and the oldest 63. About 30 individuals had been injured, and 16 remained hospitalized as of Friday.
Afterward Saturday evening, New Orleans residents held a vigil on Bourbon Avenue, tearfully carrying memorial crosses and photos of victims.