US authorities investigate overseas trips of New Orleans attacker

US authorities are investigating the overseas travels of Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the man responsible for the deadly truck attack on New Year’s Day in New Orleans.

According to law enforcement officials, Jabbar, a US Army veteran who expressed support for ISIL (ISIS) in online videos prior to the attack, traveled to Egypt and Canada in the summer of 2023. The FBI is now probing the potential connection between these trips and the deadly incident.

Lyonel Myrthil, Special Agent in charge of the FBI’s New Orleans field office, said, “Our agents are getting answers as to where he went, whom he met with, how those trips may or may not tie into his actions in our city.” Jabbar had also visited New Orleans twice before the attack, in October and November, and was seen riding a bicycle in the French Quarter, where the attack occurred.

FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia confirmed that all evidence suggests Jabbar acted alone, but investigations continue into his possible contacts both in the US and abroad. “We have not seen any indications of an accomplice in the United States, but we are still looking into potential associates,” Raia said.

Jabbar’s attack, which killed 14 people and injured 35 others, ended when he was shot dead by police after driving a rented truck down Bourbon Street. President Joe Biden, accompanied by First Lady Jill Biden, will visit New Orleans on Monday to pay respects to the victims.