New Orleans Truck Attack: FBI Reveals Suspect Used Meta Smart Glasses Months Beforehand To Do THIS
The suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Army veteran, acted alone, according to officials.
New Orleans Truck Attack: The FBI has disclosed that the suspect behind the deadly New Year’s Day truck attack in New Orleans had conducted surveillance of the French Quarter months earlier, using Meta smart glasses to record footage during an October bicycle ride. As reported by the Washington Post, these glasses, equipped for hands-free video recording, were later worn by the attacker during the assault, federal authorities confirmed on Sunday.
Investigators recovered video evidence showing the meticulous planning of the attack, which included the placement of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along Bourbon Street.
The suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Army veteran, acted alone, according to officials. Jabbar, who reportedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, killed at least 14 people before being neutralised by authorities.
FBI Details The Timeline Of Events
Lyonel Myrthil, the FBI's special agent in charge for New Orleans, stated that Jabbar had made multiple visits to the city in the months leading up to the attack. During his October trip, he used smart glasses to discreetly document the area. Authorities are also investigating Jabbar's international travel, which included visits to Cairo and Ontario in 2023.
Canadian authorities are cooperating in the investigation, though details remain limited due to its ongoing nature.
On New Year’s Day, Jabbar used a rented Ford F-150 to ram into a crowd celebrating in the French Quarter. Before the attack, he placed IEDs in coolers around the area but failed to detonate them due to technical errors.
Federal agents noted that the explosives were chemically similar to C-4 but improperly rigged, highlighting Jabbar's lack of expertise.
ALSO READ: FBI Confirms New Orleans Attacker Was Acting Alone, 'Inspired By Islamic State'
The truck attack ended when the vehicle struck construction equipment. Jabbar, who also opened fire during the assault, was fatally shot by law enforcement.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced plans to evaluate the city’s pedestrian protection measures for major events like Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl. President Joe Biden, set to visit the city, emphasised that there is no evidence of Jabbar collaborating with others.
Meanwhile, authorities continue to examine the suspect's rented home, which contained firearms, improvised silencers, and explosive materials. The residence caught fire shortly after the attack in what is believed to be arson.
The FBI’s findings underline the critical need for heightened vigilance and advanced security measures during public events. As investigations proceed, federal and local agencies remain focused on understanding the broader implications of Jabbar’s actions.
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