Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the man who allegedly killed 14 people and injured dozens more in a terrorist attack in New Orleans, had expressed extremist religious views nearly a year before the attack. In recordings posted on SoundCloud under the name of Jabbar, he condemned music, intoxicants, sex, and other pleasures as evils deserving of destruction.
The recordings, totaling about 20 minutes each, matched Jabbar’s voice as heard in a video promoting his real estate business. Muslim scholars have rejected the extremist positions held by Jabbar and groups like IS, emphasizing that Islam teaches mercy, peace, and justice.
Despite facing accusations of drunk-driving and spousal abuse in the past, Jabbar’s radicalization went largely unnoticed until the recordings surfaced, revealing his extremist beliefs. He blamed music and poetry for leading people into forbidden behaviors and believed in forbidding evil as a mandate on mankind.
Jabbar later escalated his rhetoric, with reports indicating that he was inspired by IS and expressed a desire to kill. He had also planned to harm his family before changing his plans to join the terrorist group. On the morning of the attack, he posted videos on social media outlining his ISIS ideology.
After renting a pickup truck and displaying an IS flag, Jabbar drove through a crowd of New Year’s revelers in New Orleans, firing a rifle at the crowd and police before being shot dead. The attack resulted in 14 deaths and around 35 injuries, with many victims hailing from the local area.
It has been reported that apart from local residents, there were also individuals from other states and countries such as Mexico and Israel present during the recent tragic events. According to information released by various officials, this incident has drawn attention from a wide range of people.
During a news briefing on Thursday, an FBI official revealed that investigators believe the perpetrator, Jabbar, acted alone in carrying out the attacks. Authorities conducted a thorough search for any possible accomplices after discovering a number of improvised explosive devices near the scene of the crime. Shockingly, two of these devices were rigged for remote detonation, with a remote control device found in Jabbar’s possession.
Furthermore, it was discovered that a short-term rental home where Jabbar had stayed was deliberately set on fire about two miles away from the attack site. This additional act of destruction added to the already devastating aftermath of the incident.
In response to these tragic events, local and state leaders have emphasized the importance of demonstrating resilience and compassion towards the victims and their families. As the community comes together to support one another, there is a shared determination to move forward and strive for a sense of normalcy in the days ahead.
In a poignant statement, New Orleans city council member Oliver Thomas expressed the sentiment that in the face of such senseless violence, the focus should be on offering prayers and support to all those affected. It is a reminder that in times of darkness, unity and empathy can help guide us towards healing and hope.
