New Orleans, Louisiana – The man accused of the ramming attack that killed 14 revellers on a crowded New Orleans street on January 1 had previously visited the city on reconnaissance missions, investigators revealed on January 5. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a US Army veteran, recorded the location using camera-equipped glasses during his visits.
Jabbar, who had declared his allegiance to the Islamic State militant group on social media, travelled to both Egypt and Canada in the past two years, though the purpose of these trips remains unclear. The FBI disclosed that Jabbar first visited New Orleans from his Texas home in late October, riding a bicycle through the French Quarter while filming with Meta smart glasses.
He returned to the city on November 10, but did not activate the glasses during his attack on New Year’s Day. Police say Jabbar drove a rented pick-up truck around a barrier and down busy Bourbon Street at high speed, killing 14 people and injuring at least 30, before dying in a shootout with police.
The FBI recovered two firearms during their investigation and noted that Jabbar could have detonated two homemade bombs if not for the quick response of New Orleans police. The investigation continues as authorities seek to uncover more details about Jabbar’s activities and connections.