ISIS-Inspired Terrorist’s Deadly New Year’s Plot Exposed: Chilling Images of IEDs in Coolers on Bourbon Street
In a chilling revelation that has sent shockwaves through New Orleans and beyond, newly released images show the extent of a terror plot that unfolded on New Year’s Day. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, identified as the suspect behind the deadly truck attack in the French Quarter, had also planted two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) concealed in coolers on the iconic Bourbon Street.
Investigators have pieced together a harrowing narrative from video evidence and the physical remnants left at the scene. The FBI, in collaboration with local law enforcement, has been meticulously reviewing footage that captures Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran, moving through the city’s historic district. Lyonel Myrthil, special agent in charge at the FBI’s New Orleans field office, confirmed that videos showed Jabbar deploying these IEDs just before his rampage began.
The images depict one of the IEDs inside a blue ice chest, revealing a steel, galvanized pipe with end caps, ominously surrounded by two dozen rolls of collated nails. This setup suggests an intention to maximize harm, turning the festive celebration into a potential massacre.
Joshua Jackson from the ATF’s New Orleans office explained that the IEDs did not detonate, possibly due to Jabbar’s death in a police shootout or due to a malfunction in the detonation mechanism. This close call has sparked widespread concern about the security measures in place during large public gatherings, especially in areas known for their cultural significance and tourist appeal.
The investigation has uncovered that Jabbar harbored intentions of joining ISIS before the summer, as evidenced by his own video declarations. This raises questions about how individuals can radicalize and plan such attacks under the radar of intelligence communities.
The implications of this incident extend beyond the immediate threat, prompting a critical examination of national security protocols, particularly in cities hosting major events. There’s a palpable fear that such an attack could inspire copycats or signal the beginning of more coordinated efforts by extremist groups to target American soil.
As New Orleans mourns and recovers, the city’s residents and visitors alike are left to ponder the fragility of peace in their vibrant streets. The FBI has urged anyone with additional information, photos, or videos to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance in thwarting future threats.
This investigation not only seeks justice for the victims but also aims to fortify the nation against the insidious threat of homegrown terrorism. The chilling images released are a stark reminder of what could have been a much more devastating attack, urging a collective introspection on security, surveillance, and the pervasive reach of extremist ideologies.
