New Orleans Attack: A Lone Wolf's Deadly Act

In the past, FBI Director Christopher Wray had warned about the rise of international terrorism, especially after conflicts like the one between Hamas and Israel. Months later, when the Islamic State group's affiliate killed over 140 people at a Russian concert, Wray raised alarms about possible similar attacks in the U. S. Surprisingly, the New Orleans attack on New Year's Eve was carried out by a single person, an Army veteran inspired by IS. This lone wolf didn't coordinate with international groups but acted on his own, highlighting a longstanding concern about homegrown extremists. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, had personal struggles like multiple divorces and financial pressures. He mentioned in a video that he thought of killing his family before the attack. Experts say this fits the profile of other attackers, driven by a mix of personal issues and global instability, like the war in Gaza or the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar Assad. The New Orleans attack, which killed 14, is the deadliest IS-inspired assault in the U. S. since the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting. The FBI has been dealing with lone wolf threats for years, including an Afghan man arrested in October for plotting an Election Day attack. But more coordinated efforts from overseas, like Iranian assassination plots, have drawn public attention. The turmoil in the Middle East, the collapse of the Afghan government, and concerns about IS members entering the U. S. through the southern border add to the complex threat landscape. Stopping such lone wolf attacks is challenging because they often act without direct overseas communication. Jabbar, who was fatally shot by police, wasn't on law enforcement's radar before. However, investigators found evidence of planning, including suspected bomb-making materials. His method of using a truck to attack bystanders is favored by IS followers, and an IS media unit had encouraged such attacks at New Year's Eve celebrations. As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, the FBI is facing a leadership change with the nomination of Kash Patel, who has criticized the FBI's use of national security powers. The New Orleans attack underscores the unpredictable nature of terrorism threats. The situation in Syria, where the ouster of Assad and the rise of HTS have created a power vacuum, is a significant national security concern. The potential IS resurgence and Turkish attacks on Kurdish fighters add to the complexity. Despite the rarity of such attacks in the U. S. , the simplicity and accessibility of the method used by Jabbar make it a worrying scenario. Anyone can rent a vehicle and carry out a similar attack.