The tragic New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, has raised serious concerns about security measures and the potential misuse of technology. The perpetrator, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, utilized Meta-brand smart glasses as part of his chilling plan, resulting in 14 deaths and 35 injuries during his violent assault on revelers.
Jabbar’s actions on January 1, 2024, came as the culmination of premeditated reconnaissance trips to New Orleans, where he recorded footage of the famed French Quarter using the advanced eyeglasses. According to the FBI, he visited the city at least twice prior to the horrific event, once between October 30 and November 10, 2023, capturing video of the area as he rode his bicycle through the streets.
Investigators noted during a Sunday press conference, led by Lyonel Myrthil, Special Agent with the FBI, "Jabbar wore the glasses during his New Year’s Day attack, but there was no indication the video camera was actively recording. The glasses were found on him after his death." These smart glasses, which are capable of video recording and may allow users to live stream, appear to have served the attacker primarily for planning rather than documenting his assault.
On the eve of the attack, Jabbar not only drove a Ford F-150 Lightning EV truck through a densely populated area, but he also placed two homemade bombs on Bourbon Street prior to the deadly ramming assault. Eyewitness accounts revealed he deliberately positioned the explosives, which were intended to detonate but failed to do so during the attack. Myrthil stated, "Despite Jabbar's use of high-tech tools to survey the future scene of the attack, investigators indicated his lack of experience with explosives hindered the second phase of his plan."
The police officer undertakings to thwart Jabbar were also met with difficulties. Cited as part of the failed security measures, New Orleans had previously implemented some wedge barricades, yet they were not raised and functioning on the night of the attack. Kirkpatrick commented, "We did have a plan. But the terrorist defeated it." Security weaknesses raised questions about how such a heavy-duty vehicle was able to drive through one of the most pedestrian-heavy streets during celebrations.
Reflecting on past threats, experts had long warned of the potential for such vehicular attacks following horrific incidents like the 2016 Nice attack. A 2019 security report highlighted the risks of terrorism along Bourbon Street, emphasizing how existing infrastructure, such as the bollard system, "does not appear to work." This commentary continues to echo after the recent tragedy, with reports confirming the city's inability to prevent vehicular incursions even with supposed security protocols. This weakness opens up conversations about the overall effectiveness of New Orleans’ security measures as it prepares for significant events like the Super Bowl.
While investigations continue, the FBI is also examining Jabbar's background, noting his military ties and prior travels. The Texas-born Army veteran, who acknowledged allegiance to ISIS, appears to have acted independently, but many questions linger about his connections and what might have influenced him. "We’re looking at who he encounters during those trips, who he met with, where has he traveled within those countries," Myrthil added.
Despite Jabbar's tech-savvy plan, his lack of successful execution left much of his strategy undone. Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives commented on the explosives misconfiguration, saying, "He didn’t use the right or correct device to set it off," highlighting Jabbar’s naivety and miscalculation. Law enforcement discovered additional bomb-making materials at Jabbar’s Houston home and another rental property prior to the attack, ensuring the community remains vigilant going forward.
The community's mourning for the lives lost during this senseless act has encountered frustration with the systemic failures surrounding security protocols. City leaders, now scrambling to review and improve existing infrastructures, may lead to significant changes moving forward. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has called for assistance from the federal government to reassess security weaknesses following this attack. "We need to strengthen our capacity as we prepare for more significant public events," she stated, confirming her commitment to ensuring public safety.
This tragedy spurs many to reflect on preventive measures, and the coming weeks are pivotal for the city’s leadership and law enforcement agencies as they strive to restore confidence among residents and visitors alike. The horror of New Year's attacks reverberates not just as loss but as a call to action for improved safety and security across the board, reinforcing the necessary collaboration between local and federal authorities.