Crime
Man in custody outside the Houston, Texas home of the suspect in New Orleans car-ramming attack
Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the individual seen in the video or their relationship to Jabbar.
New developments have emerged in the investigation of the New Orleans terror attack that claimed 15 lives and injured dozens during New Year’s celebrations in the city’s historic French Quarter.
A video released on Wednesday shows a man with his hands raised outside the Houston home of the suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, as SWAT teams issued commands.
The FBI confirmed its Houston office was conducting a search of the residence on the city’s north side in connection with the attack.
Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the individual seen in the video or their relationship to Jabbar.
The FBI is pursuing leads to identify potential accomplices involved in the incident. “We are aggressively running down all leads to identify any possible associates of the subject,” the agency stated.
On New Year’s Eve, Jabbar, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran, used a rented pickup truck to plow into a crowd of revelers near the intersection of Bourbon and Iberville streets. After exiting the vehicle, Jabbar opened fire at responding officers before being fatally shot. Two police officers were injured in the exchange but are expected to recover.
Jabbar’s vehicle bore an Islamic State group flag, and investigators discovered weapons and potential improvised explosive devices (IEDs) hidden in coolers within the truck. A remote detonator was found nearby. Additional IEDs were located within the French Quarter, further heightening concerns about the scale of the attack.
“This man was trying to run over as many people as he could. He was hellbent on creating the carnage and damage that he did,” said New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick. “This was not a DUI situation.”
According to a Louisiana State Police bulletin, investigators reviewed footage showing three men and one woman placing an IED believed to be connected to the attack. This has raised suspicions that the incident was not carried out by Jabbar alone but as part of a coordinated effort.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has declared a state of emergency in Orleans Parish, enabling additional state resources to be allocated as the region prepares for upcoming events such as Super Bowl LIX and Mardi Gras.
Governor Landry emphasized transparency in addressing any failures that may have contributed to the attack. “We intend to be fully transparent with any defects that may have existed that allowed this attack to happen,” he said.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced the establishment of a fund to assist victims of the tragedy. She also urged the public to stay away from secured areas as investigators work to piece together what occurred.
The FBI has deemed the French Quarter an active crime scene. Weapons, IEDs, and other evidence linked to the attack are under analysis. Authorities continue to search for individuals potentially connected to the planning and execution of this act of terrorism.
Further updates are expected as investigators uncover more details about the motivations, coordination, and broader implications of the attack.
Crime
Armed Man with Reported Mental Health Concerns Arrested inside U.S. Capitol
Police officer suspended after failing to stop an armed man entering the U.S. Capitol.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, January 21, the United States Capitol Police (USCP) responded to a security alert regarding a man reportedly experiencing mental health issues and suicidal thoughts, who was believed to be armed and in the vicinity of the Capitol.
At approximately 1:15 p.m., USCP officers located the suspect’s vehicle on First Street near East Capitol Street, NE.
A subsequent search of the area determined that the individual had recently entered the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) and participated in a Capitol tour.
At around 2:15 p.m., officers observed the man exiting the Library of Congress following the tour and walking toward his vehicle.
He was intercepted, searched, and taken into custody. A concealed 9mm handgun was discovered in his waistband during the search.
The suspect, identified as 27-year-old James A. Faber of Massachusetts, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Unlawful Activities
- Carrying a Pistol Without a License
- Possession of an Unregistered Firearm
- Unlawful Possession of Ammunition
- Resisting Arrest
The case is currently under review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Following a review of security footage, it was determined that Faber entered the Capitol Visitor Center through the south checkpoint. Although the magnetometer alarm was triggered, an officer conducted a secondary hand search and subsequently allowed him entry into the building.
As a result of this lapse, the officer involved has been placed on administrative suspension pending an internal investigation by the USCP’s Office of Professional Responsibility to assess their performance in handling the security screening.
Authorities have stated that, at this time, there is no indication that Faber intended to harm members of Congress or any individuals within the Capitol complex.
In response to the incident, the USCP has ordered a comprehensive review of security protocols and mandated refresher training for all personnel involved in visitor screening to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“The United States Capitol Police demands the highest standards in security screening procedures to ensure the safety of all individuals within the Capitol complex. A thorough review is already underway to reinforce our protocols and training,” the agency stated.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported in connection with this incident.