FBI and DHS Warn of Copycat Vehicle-Ramming Attacks After New Orleans Incident Kills 14 on Bourbon Street

Jan 3, 2025, 05:00 PM

The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have issued a joint intelligence bulletin warning the nation's 18,000 law enforcement agencies about the potential for copycat vehicle-ramming attacks following a devastating incident in New Orleans. The attack, which occurred on New Year's Day, involved a U.S. Army veteran driving a truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, resulting in 14 deaths and numerous injuries. The bulletin highlights concerns over similar attacks inspired by the ease of vehicle acquisition and the low skill required to execute such an assault. The suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old from Texas, was killed by police after the attack. The FBI has stated that Jabbar was motivated by the Islamic State, though no direct connection to the group has been established, and no other suspects are believed to be involved.