
(VitalNews.org) – Following the New Year’s Day terror incident in New Orleans, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have issued a chilling warning about potential copycat attacks.
This alert comes as authorities uncovered disturbing details about the attacker’s ties to ISIS, raising concerns about America’s vulnerability to homegrown extremism.
On January 1st, U.S. Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar unleashed carnage on Bourbon Street by ramming a rented pickup truck into a crowd.
The attack left 14 dead and over two dozen injured, sending shockwaves through the heart of America.
Jabbar was revealed to have pledged allegiance to ISIS. His actions have now put law enforcement on high alert for similar threats across the country.
The joint bulletin from the FBI and DHS paints a grim picture of the ongoing threat posed by radicalized individuals.
“The FBI and DHS are concerned about possible copycat or retaliatory attacks due to the persistent appeal of vehicle ramming as a tactic for aspiring violent extremist attackers,” the agencies warned.
They added:
“We advise federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial government and law enforcement officials and private sector security partners to remain vigilant of potential copycat or retaliatory attacks inspired by this attack and other recent, lethal vehicle-ramming incidents across the globe.”
This reminder of the dangers America faces comes at a critical time, with President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration just days away.
The New Orleans attack bears all the hallmarks of ISIS-inspired terrorism. Jabbar not only rammed his vehicle into innocent civilians but also attempted to detonate improvised explosive devices hidden in coolers on Bourbon Street.
Thankfully, these failed to explode, preventing an even greater loss of life. The discovery of bomb-making materials in Jabbar’s Houston home further underscores the seriousness of this threat.
The ease with which these attacks can be carried out is of particular concern. Rented, stolen or personally owned vehicles are readily available and can be turned into deadly weapons in the hands of radicalized individuals.
This accessibility makes vehicle ramming an attractive option for terrorists seeking to inflict maximum damage with minimal resources.
The FBI’s struggle to monitor and prevent such attacks highlights the pressing need for increased vigilance from everyday Americans.
FBI Director Christopher Wray pointed out the challenges faced by law enforcement.
He stated, “You’re talking about guys like this, who radicalize not in years but in weeks, and whose method of attack is still very deadly but fairly crude.”
This quick radicalization process makes it difficult for authorities to connect the dots and intervene before tragedy strikes.
Patriotic Americans must heed the call to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
Communities are the first line of defense against these threats, and vigilance can make the difference between safety and catastrophe.
The agencies have emphasized the importance of public cooperation, stating, “We ask that the public remain vigilant regarding possible copycat or retaliatory attacks and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.”
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