New Orleans attacker acted alone, tried four different ways to kill
NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Even as many new details continue to emerge about the terror attack in New Orleans early on New Year's morning, the new, additional information is prompting investigators to seek even more evidence about both the deadly attack and the accused attacker.
Meanwhile, the NYPD has increased security at some locations here that attract large crowds.
On Thursday morning in New Orleans, a day after the attack, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, and New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell joined with law enforcement leaders to talk about new developments in the investigation. FBI Counterterrorism Assistant Director Christopher Raia presented most of the new information.
"We do not assess at this point that anyone is involved in this attack except Shamsud-din Jabbar," Raia said, confirming that agents and other investigators are convinced that the 42-year-old alleged attacker acted alone. It was a reversal from the agency's assessments on Wednesday.
Investigators said that Jabbar mowed down people with his Ford F-150 pickup that carried the flag of the terror group ISIS. The attack killed 14 people, and injured at least 35 others. Shamsud-din Jabbar was killed at the scene by police officers who shot at him after he'd shot at them.
Agents also believe that before the attack, Jabbar planted two improvised explosive devices, that were in coolers. The coolers attracted revelers' interest on the scene, which ended up being part of the reason why investigators first thought that people who'd approached the coolers may have been accomplices to Jabbar.
"It turns out," Director Raia said, "that was just patrons on the street looking inside the coolers."
Prior to arriving in New Orleans on New Year's Eve, Jabbar had driven from his home in the Houston area and recorded a series of five videos while driving, according to Raia.
In the videos, said the FBI manager, Jabbar had said that he'd first intended to kill family members and friends, but felt that if he'd done so, it would detract from the "war between the believers and the disbelievers."
Jabbar stayed at a short-term rental in New Orleans, on Mandeville Street, prior to the attack, according to the FBI. There, and at his home in Houston, law enforcement was on scene Thursday.
Among other things they were trying to figure out is why a fire had broken out at the short-term rental.
Joshua Jackson, an ATF Special Agent supervising the agency's efforts in New Orleans, spoke at the late morning news conference about what may have caused the fire. He said that it had ignited after Jabbar was killed at the attack scene, but he still may have set it with the intent to do harm.
"You could have different timed devices," Jackson said, "you could have a long cord that extended that time, you could also have pressure cookers that were put on the stove, filled with gasoline. "
It's still being looked into, as is background information about Jabbar, his motive, and the timeline leading up to the 3:15 a.m. attack on New Year's Day. It's why law enforcement say they are eager to hear from more people, in relation to the case.
"Whether you know Jabbar personally, worked with him, served in the military or saw him in New Orleans or Texas," said FBI Assistant Director Raia, "we need to talk to you."