The FBI and Department of Homeland Security on Monday issued a warning about the possibility of "copycat or retaliatory attacks" stemming from the ramming rampage in New Orleans early New Year’s Day that killed 14.
Police say Shamsud-Din Jabbar intentionally plowed through crowds on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter in a pickup truck before being shot dead by police.
The public service announcement did not give any specifics as to where such a ramming attack could take place; however, the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump is next week in Washington, D.C.
“The FBI and DHS are concerned about possible copycat or retaliatory attacks due to the persistent appeal of vehicle ramming as a tactic for aspiring violent extremist attackers. Previous attackers inspired by foreign terrorist organizations who have conducted vehicle attacks in the United States and abroad have used rented, stolen, and personally owned vehicles, which are easy to acquire,” the notice read.
“Targets have included pedestrians, law enforcement or military members, and crowded public venues, including festivals and commercial centers, which generally are accessible from roadways,” it went on.
Jabbar also put together two bombs, apparently using the powerful RDX compound that did not detonate but could have killed or wounded hundreds of people, police said, adding he used the wrong device to detonate the bombs, located in two coolers he had placed nearby in advance. Jabbar was killed in a shootout with police after firing on officers when he exited his vehicle.
“Some have used additional weapons, such as firearms and knives, to attack individuals after the vehicle has stopped. Additionally, attackers may attempt to conceal and pre-position improvised explosive devices to supplement a vehicle attack,” the notice read.
Jabbar was born in Texas. Reports suggest he radicalized secretly over the past year, becoming more isolated, until making a recording to his family while driving to New Orleans to say he had joined ISIS, the Islamic State, earlier last year.
“Due to the highly personal nature of radicalization to violence and mobilization to violence, it can be difficult to assess specific characteristics indicating the intent of US-based violent extremists to conduct violence. The FBI and DHS urge bystanders to promptly report suspicious activities potentially related to violent extremist activity, including indications of possible online radicalization to violence and mobilization for attacks,” the notice read.
Mark Swanson ✉
Mark Swanson, a Newsmax writer and editor, has nearly three decades of experience covering news, culture and politics.
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