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VIDEO: FBI Shares Footage Showing New Orleans Terrorist in French Quarter Before Deadly Rampage

Newly Released Video Sheds Light on Shamsud-Din Jabbar’s Movements Before New Year’s Day Attack

NEW ORLEANS — In a chilling new release, the FBI has shared video footage that shows Shamsud-Din Jabbar’s movements around New Orleans’ French Quarter in the hours leading up to his deadly terrorist attack. The footage reveals disturbing details about his meticulous planning, including a glimpse of him riding a bicycle through the historic district and preparing explosive devices.

Authorities now have a clearer picture of Jabbar’s premeditated attack on January 1, 2025, when he sped down Bourbon Street in a pickup truck, killing 14 people and injuring 37 others. This new evidence, including surveillance footage and video recorded by Jabbar himself, paints a darker portrait of the events leading up to the tragic rampage.

The Disturbing Footage: What the FBI Reveals

The FBI compiled nearly four minutes of footage, some of which was recorded by Jabbar himself. The videos span multiple incidents during his two trips to New Orleans in the fall of 2024. The first significant clip shows Jabbar riding a bicycle through the French Quarter and along Canal Street on October 31, 2024.

The footage, taken with Meta glasses he wore, offers a first-person view of the district, giving investigators insight into Jabbar’s familiarity with the area. However, the FBI noted that there is no evidence suggesting Jabbar used the glasses to record or live stream his attack on New Year’s Day.

Shamsud-Din Jabbar French Quarter terrorist attack

At 1:36, the video shifts to a disturbing scene of Jabbar looking into a mirror at a rental property he stayed at during his October visit. Investigators later tied this footage to the larger pattern of his planning, as he was scouting and preparing for his deadly mission. The significance of these moments is only becoming clearer now, as they add context to his movements in the days leading up to the attack.

Bombs, Detonators, and Jarring Details

The most alarming aspect of the released footage is the discovery of homemade bombs and a remote detonation device. Surveillance footage from January 1, 2025, shows Jabbar, now carrying a blue cooler, near the intersection of Bourbon and St. Peter streets. The cooler, which investigators confirmed contained an improvised bomb, was left in the area and moved several times by unsuspecting pedestrians.

The FBI also reported that one of the bombs was found inside the pickup truck that Jabbar used in his deadly rampage. The truck was later involved in a shootout with police officers, where Jabbar was ultimately killed. Along with the bombs, a remote detonation device was recovered from the vehicle, leading authorities to believe that Jabbar could have detonated the devices remotely had law enforcement not intervened in time.

Joshua Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), explained the severity of the threat: “Had New Orleans police not responded quickly enough, Jabbar may have used that remote detonation device to activate the bombs.”

This revelation underscores the grave danger the city was in that fateful day. The quick actions of local authorities were critical in preventing even greater loss of life.

Timeline of the Attack: A Growing Threat

The FBI’s video release provides a detailed timeline of Jabbar’s movements before and after the attack. The video segments start with footage from his October trip to New Orleans and end with disturbing scenes from January 1, 2025.

Here’s a breakdown of the timeline provided by the FBI:

  • 0:00 — Jabbar’s Meta glasses footage shows him riding a bike through the French Quarter and Canal Street on October 31, 2024.
  • 1:36 — He records himself wearing Meta glasses while looking into a mirror in a home he rented during the October trip.
  • 1:41 — Surveillance footage from January 1, 2025, captures Jabbar with the blue cooler containing the bomb. The FBI confirmed it was left near the intersection of Bourbon and St. Peter streets.
  • 1:53 — At 1:53 a.m. on January 1, Jabbar’s blue cooler is moved by several Bourbon Street visitors before it’s found at Orleans Street, a block away from its original location.

The footage confirms what many feared: Jabbar had been meticulously planning his attack for months, and his actions were deliberate. The released footage offers a harrowing view into the mind of a terrorist who, despite law enforcement’s quick response, left a trail of devastation behind.

Investigators Push Forward with Multiple Leads

As the investigation continues, the FBI and local authorities are piecing together more details of Jabbar’s activities leading up to the attack. Special Agent Lyonel Myrthil shared that Jabbar’s trips to Cairo, Egypt, and Ontario, Canada, may hold crucial clues. These international travels are now being scrutinized for potential links to other terrorist organizations or cells.

The FBI’s release of this footage signals their commitment to bringing a full understanding of the attack to the public. It is a reminder of the serious threats cities like New Orleans face, particularly during major events like Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl.

As the city continues to heal from the tragedy, the FBI’s investigation and the newly revealed footage will likely remain key to preventing further attacks and ensuring that security measures can effectively protect the public.

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