Shamsud Din Jabbar made two scouting trips to New Orleans prior to his New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street, the FBI says.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Lionel Merkel detailed Jabbar’s preparation during a Sunday news conference, describing his travels, surveillance efforts, and use of advanced technology in the lead-up to the terrorist attack, when he drove a pickup truck through police barriers in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter, killing 14 and injuring at least 35 others. Jabbar also was killed in a shootout with lawmen.
“FBI New Orleans deeply mourns the loss of those who tragically lost their lives and extends our hearts to those who endured the panic and horror of witnessing this act of terror,” Merkel said. “Today, we’re providing a clearer picture of the planning and steps Jabbar took to carry out this heinous attack.”
Jabbar posted five videos to Facebook between 1:29 a.m. and 3:02 a.m. on Jan. 1, proclaiming his allegiance to the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS, and explaining his motivations. The pickup truck he was driving also had an ISI flag in it.
The investigation revealed that Jabbar traveled extensively in the months before the attack, visiting New Orleans in October and November 2024. During these trips, he reportedly stayed at rental properties, conducted surveillance using high-tech glasses capable of recording video, and familiarized himself with the French Quarter’s layout.
Jabar was seen wearing the glasses and riding a bike through the French Quarter during his October visit, capturing footage of the area. Authorities have asked anyone who may have encountered Jabbar during these trips to come forward.
On Dec. 31, he rented a white pickup truck and drove from Texas to Louisiana, Merkel said. Surveillance footage showed him arriving at a rental home on Vanderbilt Street in New Orleans about 10 p.m. Hours later, he drove the truck to the French Quarter, Merkel said.
Between 12:41 a.m. and 3:15 a.m., Jabbar strategically placed improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at key locations on Bourbon Street, including in coolers left on street corners, none of which detonated.
The explosive materials recovered at the Mandeville Street address were identified as R-Salt, a substance similar in composition to the commonly available RDX, the ATF said. Materials from the rental home also tested positive for RDX.
“Typically, RDX requires specific detonators or safety mechanisms to ensure proper activation,” an ATF representative said. “Jabbar’s devices used a substitute mechanism, which reflects a lack of understanding about how these materials function.”
Jabbar also traveled to Japan and Egypt in 2023, and investigators are working to determine whether these trips contributed to his radicalization or planning.
