Authorities are investigating the New Orleans terrorist attack that left 14 dead on New Year’s Day, as the FBI reveals the use of rare explosives never seen in the U.S. or Europe. Officials fear the perpetrator, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, may have received high-level terror training.
Jabbar, 42, was fatally shot by police during his rampage on Bourbon Street. He drove a truck into crowds before exiting in combat gear and opening fire on revelers. Investigators discovered two undetonated bombs made with a volatile compound known as r-salt, which is unavailable in the U.S. or Europe.
Authorities believe Jabbar’s inability to acquire military-grade detonators or effectively assemble the devices prevented the bombs from detonating. Additional explosives, including devices using RDX, were found in Jabbar’s rented Airbnb and Houston home, where a bomb-making workbench was uncovered.
The FBI suspects Jabbar acted alone but is probing possible connections to international terror groups or training. A trip to Egypt and declared allegiance to ISIS in social media videos are under investigation. Hours before the attack, Jabbar posted five videos pledging support for the terrorist group and displayed an ISIS flag on his truck.
Jabbar had scouted Bourbon Street twice before the massacre, using AI-enabled smart glasses to record the area. Authorities are tracing his movements, including visits to Cairo, Canada, and Houston.
Among the 14 victims was Edward Pettifer, 31, a Chelsea-born Brit and stepson of Prince William and Harry’s former nanny. The Royal Family has expressed condolences to Pettifer’s grieving family.
