US President Joe Biden on Wednesday said that Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a US Army veteran and the attacker in the New Orleans rampage, had posted videos hours before the attack. Biden added that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) found videos, and he was briefed about it by the agency. The videos indicate that Jabbar was inspired by ISS, expressing a desire to kill.
Biden said, "The FBI also reported to me that mere hours before the attack, he posted videos on social media indicating that he was inspired by ISIS, expressing a desire to kill. The ISIS flag was found in his vehicle which he rented to conduct this attack. Possible explosives were found in the vehicle as well, and more explosives were found nearby...The investigation is continuing to be active and no one should jump to conclusions."
Here's what the FBI said
However, the FBI said that it does not believe Shamsud Din Jabbar was solely responsible for the Bourbon Street attack. FBI Agent Alethea Duncan said, "We're aggressively running down every lead, including those of his known associates. That's why we need the public's help. We’re asking if anybody has had any interaction with Shamsud Din Jabbar in the last 72 hours, contact us. Anyone who has information, video or pictures, provide it to the FBI."
Suspect killed in a shootout
The rampage unfolded after 3 am and left the city shocked, raising certain questions about security measures in the bustling French Quarter. The suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, was killed in a shootout with police after crashing his rented truck.
The attack, which is being described as one of the deadliest in recent city history, has forced the delay of the Sugar Bowl, which was scheduled for Wednesday at the Superdome. The game will now take place on Thursday, as officials work to reassure residents and visitors of their safety.
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