Investigators have discovered that suspect Shamsud-Din Jabbar was responsible for a deadly New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans. Jabbar had joined ISIS and posted videos on Facebook declaring his support for the group. The attack killed at least 14 innocent revelers and injured over 30 others. ISIS, also known as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, is a terrorist group that seeks to establish a global caliphate governed by Sharia law. Under former leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, ISIS seized territory in Iraq and Syria before he was killed in 2019. The group has been responsible for numerous attacks around the world.
ISIS remains a global threat, with the group inspiring individuals to carry out attacks in the name of the organization. While ISIS has become decentralized compared to a decade ago, it remains a powerful brand that influences militant groups and individuals worldwide. ISIS-inspired attacks have occurred in the United States, including the 2016 Pulse Nightclub massacre in Orlando, the 2015 San Bernardino shooting, the 2017 NYC bike path attack, the 2016 Ohio State University attack, and the 2017 New York City subway bomber incident. These attacks resulted in multiple casualties and injuries.
The New Orleans truck attack by Jabbar is one of the most recent ISIS-inspired attacks in the United States, resulting in 14 fatalities. Jabbar, a former Army veteran, drove a white pick-up truck into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street, also carrying an ISIS flag and weapons. The attack highlights the ongoing threat posed by ISIS and its supporters. The group’s ideology encourages violence against those who do not adhere to their extremist views, including fellow Muslims who diverge from their interpretation of Islam.
The roots of ISIS can be traced back to 2004 when an Iraqi extremist network merged with al-Qaeda to form al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), which later became ISIS. Despite being ejected from its last stronghold in Syria, ISIS continues to operate clandestinely in the region. The group’s influence extends globally, with various armed extremist organizations swearing allegiance to ISIS. The group’s tactics include beheadings, systematic rape, and other forms of violence against people of different faiths.
Some experts believe that ISIS maintains its power as a brand, inspiring individuals and groups to carry out attacks even without direct involvement from the organization. The group’s ability to radicalize sympathizers and incite violence through online propaganda has led to so-called “lone wolf” attacks that blur the line between random crime and terrorism. In the United States, ISIS has inspired several high-profile attacks that have resulted in numerous casualties. Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor and investigate potential threats from individuals influenced by ISIS ideology.
The prevalence of ISIS-inspired attacks in the US highlights the ongoing threat posed by the terrorist organization and its supporters. These attacks have resulted in significant loss of life and injuries, prompting authorities to remain vigilant in monitoring and preventing future incidents. As ISIS continues to operate clandestinely and inspire violence globally, efforts to combat the group’s influence and prevent further attacks remain a top priority for law enforcement agencies and counterterrorism efforts.
