The New Year’s Day terror attack that left 14 people dead in New Orleans could have been far deadlier, authorities revealed.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who drove his truck into a crowded Bourbon Street, had intended to detonate two explosive devices using a transmitter, according to a joint statement from the FBI and ATF on Friday.
The explosives, placed on the bustling Bourbon Street, failed to detonate. Officials have yet to determine whether the failure was due to a malfunction, an error in activation, or another unknown issue. Investigators recovered the transmitter, along with two firearms, from Jabbar’s truck. These items are being analyzed at an FBI laboratory for further insight.
Deadly Plot with Unprecedented Explosives
Federal investigators disclosed that the explosive compound used in Jabbar’s devices is exceptionally rare, according to law enforcement officials briefed on the case. This compound has never been seen in terror incidents in the U.S. or Europe, raising questions about how Jabbar, a Texas-born U.S. citizen and Army veteran, acquired the knowledge to produce it.
Authorities are focusing on whether Jabbar independently developed the expertise to create these explosives or if external influences were involved. The materials recovered from the scene will play a critical role in determining the extent of his preparation and potential connections.
A Night of Carnage and Destruction
Jabbar’s attack unfolded when he plowed his pick-up truck into a crowded sidewalk, bypassing a police blockade designed to protect pedestrians. Officers fatally shot Jabbar moments later, ending the rampage but leaving devastation in its wake.
In addition to the vehicular assault, Jabbar set fire to a rental property on Mandeville Street where bomb-making materials were later discovered. The blaze, which extinguished itself before spreading, revealed critical evidence, including precursors for explosives and a homemade rifle silencer.
A Lone Wolf Attack
The FBI affirmed that Jabbar acted alone in the attack, which has left investigators grappling with the complexity of his methods and motivations. While the investigation remains ongoing, no additional suspects or accomplices have been identified.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are scheduled to visit New Orleans on Monday to join the mourning period for the victims, marking a somber chapter in the city’s history.
