The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are warning that “violent extremists” might be incited to carry out assaults similar to the deadly New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans.
Americans were warned in a bulletin released Monday to be alert for potential copycat vehicle attacks that target “crowded public venues, including festivals and commercial centers.”
The agencies are “highly concerned” about potential copycat or retaliatory attacks “due to the persistent appeal of vehicle ramming as a tactic for aspiring violent extremist attackers,” according to the joint memo titled “Threat of Copycat Attacks after ISIS-Inspired Vehicle Attack in New Orleans.”
They point out that cars are simple to obtain and have already been used as weapons against pedestrians and crowds in the United States and other countries.
The agencies say they don’t have anything specific to watch out for, and it’s unclear at this time if the warning was based on any specific, new threat or plot that investigators uncovered.
“Due to the highly personal nature of radicalization to violence and mobilization to violence, it can be difficult to assess specific characteristics indicating the intent of US-based violent extremists to conduct violence,” the memo states.
“The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are issuing this Public Service Announcement to highlight a potential public safety threat from violent extremists in response to the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans, Louisiana. As with any potential threats to the United States, we will coordinate with our state and local law enforcement partners to ensure they have the resources and information necessary to keep our communities safe,” the memo stated.
“The FBI and DHS are concerned about possible copycat or retaliatory attacks due to the persistent appeal of vehicle ramming as a tactic for aspiring violent extremist attackers. Previous attackers inspired by foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) who have conducted vehicle attacks in the United States and abroad have used rented, stolen, and personally owned vehicles, which are easy to acquire. Some have used additional weapons, such as firearms and knives, to attack individuals after the vehicle has stopped,” the memo added.
“Additionally, attackers may attempt to conceal and pre-position improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to supplement a vehicle attack. Targets have included pedestrians, law enforcement or military members, and crowded public venues, including festivals and commercial centers, which generally are accessible from roadways. We ask that the public remain vigilant regarding possible copycat or retaliatory attacks and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement,” the memo concluded.
The bulletin urged people to “remain vigilant” and report anything suspicious to law enforcement, but it did not go so far as to advise Americans to stay away from crowds or gatherings.
On New Year’s Day, there was a terrorist attack in New Orleans that left 14 people dead and over 30 injured.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, was the man who carried a truck down Bourbon Street and into a crowd during the attack.
Later, Jabbar, a Texas native and former member of the U.S. Army, was shot and killed by police. In videos posted online just hours before his attack, he had declared his support for the Islamic State militant group.
Jabbar’s motivations and the manner in which he executed the attack are still being investigated. In the meantime, New Orleans is tightening security in the French Quarter for the Super Bowl on February 9 and the Carnival season, which started last week.
Since the attack, police have blocked traffic at Bourbon and Canal streets with a number of cars and barricades. Additional security was provided by city officers with assistance from other law enforcement agencies.
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