New Orleans attacker traveled to Ontario in July 2023, FBI reports

 

FBI Investigates New Orleans Attacker’s Trips to Egypt and Canada Before Deadly Incident

The FBI has confirmed that the man behind the New Orleans truck attack on New Year’s Day, which killed 14 people and injured dozens, traveled internationally in the months leading up to the incident. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Houston, visited Egypt and Canada in 2023, though investigators have not yet determined if these trips were connected to the attack.

According to FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia, Jabbar traveled to Cairo, Egypt, from June 22 to July 3, 2023. Shortly after, he flew to Ontario, Canada, on July 10, returning to the U.S. on July 13. Authorities are working to trace Jabbar's movements and interactions during these trips.

FBI Special Agent Lyonel Myrthil emphasized that the investigation is crossing state and international borders: "Our agents are working to determine where he went, who he met with, and whether these trips influenced his actions."

Canadian Public Safety Minister David McGuinty confirmed Jabbar’s July 2023 visit to Canada, clarifying that he arrived from Houston, not Cairo. Canadian and U.S. authorities are collaborating on the investigation, with the RCMP engaging with U.S. security partners.

Planning the Attack

Jabbar made two prior trips to New Orleans in October and November 2023. During the first trip, he reportedly used smart glasses with recording capabilities to film areas in the French Quarter. FBI officials believe this was part of his planning process. Although Jabbar wore the glasses during the attack, they were not activated at the time.

The FBI also released surveillance footage showing Jabbar placing explosive devices in the French Quarter hours before the attack. One device, a cooler, was unknowingly moved by a bystander before it could be detonated.

Connection to ISIS

Jabbar, a former U.S. Army soldier, expressed support for the Islamist militant group ISIS in online videos posted shortly before the attack. However, the FBI reiterated its belief that he acted alone.

“There is no evidence of an accomplice within the United States, though we are investigating potential ties abroad,” Raia said.

Remembering the Victims

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry declared a period of mourning, honoring the victims ranging from 18 to 63 years old. Most were in their 20s, hailing from Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, New Jersey, and Britain.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden plan to visit New Orleans to console the victims’ families and the community. Governor Landry vowed resilience in the face of tragedy, stating, “Louisiana and her people will never cower in fear. Instead, we will unite and grow stronger in honor of those we lost.”