On January 1, 2025, an Islamic State and the New Orleans Attack on New Year’s revelers in New Orleans’ French Quarter left 15 people dead, including the attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar. The FBI later confirmed that Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran from Texas, acted alone in the incident. However, the attack appeared to be inspired by the Islamic State (IS), with investigators recovering an IS flag from the truck involved. Jabbar also posted videos on social media hours before the incident, indicating his support for the extremist group.
The Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, was once a dominant force in Iraq and Syria, seizing large territories under the leadership of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Though the group’s territorial control collapsed in 2019, IS has continued to inspire attacks globally. It has fragmented into various offshoots across Africa, Asia, and Europe. Despite its weakened state, the IS brand still carries significant influence, especially among radicalized individuals and small groups who act on their own.
Jabbar’s attack marks one of the deadliest IS-inspired assaults in the U.S. in years. The FBI reported that Jabbar had planned the attack well in advance, even attempting to set up crude bombs around the area. Though there was initial concern about potential accomplices, the FBI confirmed that Jabbar acted alone. Authorities also discovered two non-functional improvised explosive devices at the scene.
The attack raises concerns about the continuing threat of terrorism in the U.S. inspired by groups like the Islamic State. Federal officials have warned of an uptick in international terror threats, especially after the October 2023 Israel-Hamas conflict. This attack serves as a reminder of the ongoing danger posed by radicalized individuals influenced by extremist ideologies.
For more on the Islamic State’s influence, including its history, tactics, and global impact, stay updated with news on counterterrorism efforts and national security.
Key Points:
- Shamsud-Din Jabbar was an Army veteran who drove into a crowd in New Orleans, inspired by ISIS.
- The Islamic State continues to influence global terror attacks, despite its defeat in Iraq and Syria.
- The attack is a stark reminder of the continuing threat of Islamic State-inspired terrorism in the U.S.
For more information on Islamic State and its global operations, you can visit the FBI’s official counterterrorism page