Crime
Video capture moments Shamsud-Din Jabbar cycling through French Quarter area while filming on smart glasses
The FBI has released footage from Meta smart glasses worn by ISIS-affiliated terrorist Shamsud-Din Jabbar prior to his deadly attack in New Orleans’ French Quarter.
The video, recorded during a reconnaissance trip to the bustling tourist district, offers a harrowing glimpse into Jabbar’s perspective before he carried out the attack that claimed 14 lives and left dozens injured.
Jabbar used a rented pickup truck to plow through crowds on the iconic street, killing 14 people and injuring at least 35 others.
Authorities later revealed that Jabbar had planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs) around the French Quarter with the intent to detonate them remotely, potentially causing even more casualties.
The attack ended when officers from the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) fatally shot Jabbar before he could access the remote detonator for the IEDs.
“We believe the transmitter would have worked, but for the swift action of the NOPD, who neutralized him before he could detonate the devices,” said Joshua Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBIโs New Orleans Field Division.
The footage, recorded during Jabbar’s reconnaissance, shows him cycling through the French Quarter while filming with the smart glasses.
The video highlights the densely packed area, revealing his meticulous planning and deliberate targeting of a popular tourist destination.
Jabbar, reportedly inspired by the Islamic State (ISIS), had a troubled personal history, including three ex-wives and three children, according to public records.
Investigators are now working to piece together the extent of his connections to ISIS and any potential accomplices who may have aided in planning the attack.
The French Quarter, a hub for tourists and revelers, remains in shock following the tragedy. Authorities have ramped up security in major cities across the U.S. to prevent similar incidents.
The FBI is urging anyone with information about Jabbarโs activities or possible accomplices to come forward. Tips can be submitted to the FBI’s hotline at 1-800-CALL-FBI or through their website.
This attack underscores the continued threat posed by lone actors inspired by extremist ideologies, and it highlights the importance of vigilance and swift law enforcement response in mitigating such threats.
AUSTIN, Texas โ Authorities have identified the three victims killed in Sunday morningโs mass shooting outside Bufordโs Bar on West Sixth Street in downtown Austin. The attack left three civilians dead and more than a dozen others injured before the gunman was fatally shot by police.
The victims have been identified as Savitha Shan, 21; Ryder Harrington, 19; and Jorge Pederson, 30.
According to the Austin Police Department, the suspect, 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, opened fire from his vehicle before exiting and continuing to shoot into a crowd in the busy entertainment district near the University of Texas campus.
Officers who were already stationed nearby responded within seconds and fatally shot the suspect.
Officials stated that the rapid response likely prevented additional casualties.
Four people are now confirmed dead, including the shooter.
At least 14 others were transported to area hospitals, with several initially listed in critical condition.
Savitha Shan, 21, was a student at the University of Texas at Austin, where she was known for her leadership and campus involvement. The university referred to her by her full name, Savitha Shanmugasundaram.
UT President Jim Davis addressed the campus community, stating:
โToday, it was confirmed that among those who lost their lives is one UT student. A child of loving parents. A loyal friend to many. A Longhorn preparing to change the world. It is devastating, and I know all of us are grieved by this horrible news and we will remember her.โ
Shan was active in Austinโs Tamil Sangam community and participated in Raas Roedo, which organizes traditional Gujarati folk dance events. She also founded an e-commerce venture known as Sunflakestickers.
Ryder Harrington, 19, had previously attended Texas Tech University and was a member of its Beta Theta Pi chapter. Loved ones described him as โa beloved son, brother, and friend whose kindness and presence touched countless lives.โ
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist his family with funeral and related expenses as they navigate what relatives describe as an unimaginable loss.
Jorge Pederson, 30, was identified as the third victim to succumb to his injuries. Authorities confirmed he had initially been listed in critical condition at a local hospital following the shooting. Pederson was described by Med City Fighting Championships as a โbeloved Minnesotan fighter.โ
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson urged the community to support one another during the period of mourning, stating:
โContinue to lift them and their families up. And Austin, keep reaching out to each other. Take care of each other. What we do for each other matters, especially in this time of mourning and grief.โ
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and its Joint Terrorism Task Force have joined the investigation. Officials confirmed the incident is being reviewed as a possible act of terrorism, though no final determination regarding motive has been formally announced.
Investigators reported that the suspect was wearing clothing bearing the phrase โProperty of Allahโ at the time of the attack.
A Quran was recovered from his vehicle, and additional reports indicate he was wearing an undershirt displaying imagery associated with the Iranian flag.
Authorities are examining whether ideological motivations or international developments may have influenced the attack.
Newly released video footage shows the moment the gunman began firing into the crowd, underscoring the speed and severity of the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials continue reviewing surveillance footage, digital evidence, and witness accounts.
City leaders have pledged to provide additional updates as confirmed information becomes available.
The Austin community continues to grieve the lives lost and support those injured in what has become one of the cityโs most devastating acts of violence in recent years.