ISIS member arrested for inciting deadly New Orleans New Year’s attack
- Iraqi authorities arrested a member of the Islamic State group for his involvement in inciting a recent terrorist attack in the U.S.
- The assailant, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, drove a pickup truck into a New Year's celebration, resulting in multiple casualties.
- This incident emphasizes the ongoing threat of ISIS-related terrorism and the importance of international cooperation in combatting such extremist activities.
In Iraq, authorities apprehended an individual linked to the Islamic State group believed to have incited a terrorist attack that occurred in New Orleans during the early hours of January 1, 2025. This tragic event involved a pickup truck plowing through a crowd celebrating New Year's, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals, including the perpetrator, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas. Jabbar was shot and killed by police officers following the attack as he opened fire on them and the crowd after causing the initial incident. The attack, which transpired around 3 a.m. in the renowned French Quarter, led to a significant inquiry by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Investigators identified Jabbar as having become radicalized rapidly, reportedly in just weeks, through online channels associated with ISIS. The FBI highlighted the ongoing investigation and noted the possibility of Jabbar having had connections or accomplices, even though they believed he carried out the assault independently. Background checks revealed that he had visited New Orleans previously on two occasions before the incident, suggesting some level of premeditation. Further examination following the attack unearthed firearms and explosives within Jabbar's vehicle, reinforcing the concern among authorities regarding the methods and intentions behind the assault. American law enforcement, in collaboration with Iraqi authorities, initiated efforts to identify and apprehend individuals involved in inciting this crime. The suspect arrested in Iraq is connected to the Islamic State's foreign operations and is facing trial under anti-terrorism laws, emphasizing international cooperation in addressing terrorism. Despite the territorial defeats experienced by Islamic State since 2017 in Iraq and 2019 in Syria, the group still possesses sleeper cells that have continued to orchestrate attacks in various regions. This latest operation sheds light on the persistent threat posed by such extremist groups, particularly as they draw in supporters who can be radicalized quickly and violently. Both the attack in New Orleans and the investigation that followed highlight the complexities of counter-terrorism efforts and the ongoing dangers posed by individuals who embrace extremist ideologies.