A hat is seen on a makeshift memorial for the victims at Bourbon’s street two days after a U.S. Army veteran drove his truck into the crowded French Quarter on New Year’s Day in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. January 3, 2025. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
U.S. Law Enforcement Warns of Copycat Vehicle-Ramming Attacks Following New Orleans Tragedy
A joint intelligence bulletin issued on Friday by the FBI, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) has raised concerns about potential copycat or retaliatory vehicle-ramming attacks. The warning follows a deadly New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans carried out by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran, who drove a truck into a crowd, killing at least 14 people and injuring dozens more.
Attack Details
- Inspiration: The FBI stated that Jabbar, 42, was “100 percent inspired” by the Islamic State (ISIS) militant group.
- Execution: Jabbar, flying an ISIS flag from the rear of a rented truck, targeted revelers in New Orleans’ French Quarter before being killed in a police shootout.
- ISIS Connection: While ISIS has not officially claimed responsibility, the group’s online supporters celebrated the attack.
Copycat Threats
The bulletin emphasizes that vehicle-ramming attacks are attractive to potential attackers due to the accessibility of vehicles and the minimal skill required to carry them out. It also noted the following:
- Online propaganda by ISIS and similar groups continues to incite violence, particularly during holiday periods.
- Recent attacks, including the New Orleans incident and a December 20 ramming in Germany, have spurred general online calls for violence against specific groups such as immigrants and Muslims.
- Attackers in similar incidents have often been armed with firearms or edged weapons, continuing their assaults after initial vehicle strikes.
Historical Context
The New Orleans tragedy is the seventh attack in the United States since 2001 inspired by a foreign extremist organization, according to the bulletin. Vehicle-ramming is seen as a growing threat alongside traditional tactics involving guns and knives.
Security Measures
The bulletin urged law enforcement and private security entities to maintain vigilance, particularly in crowded public areas. Specific recommendations include:
- Monitoring for potential threats during high-profile events and holiday celebrations.
- Enhancing awareness of online propaganda efforts by extremist groups.
Coordination with the Incoming Administration
President Joe Biden’s administration has kept President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team informed about the ongoing investigations into the New Orleans attack and a separate explosion outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day.
Key members of Trump’s incoming team, including Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, already hold security clearances due to their congressional roles. Incoming Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has also been cleared to receive briefings.
Conclusion
As the U.S. grapples with the aftermath of the New Orleans attack, federal agencies are intensifying efforts to prevent similar incidents. Public awareness and robust law enforcement coordination remain critical in addressing this evolving threat.
COMMENTS