New Orleans Attacker Used Meta Glasses to Record French Quarter Before Tragic Attack

 New Orleans Attacker Used Meta Glasses to Record French Quarter Before Tragic Attack

Photo by ABC News

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has unveiled new details about New Orleans attacker Shamsud Din Jabbar, revealing his international travels and the technology he used in the lead-up to the deadly attack on New Year’s night.

“We have tracked that Jabbar traveled to Cairo, Egypt, from June 22 until July 3 of 2023. A few days later, he flew to Ontario, Canada, on July 10 and returned to the US on July 13,” the FBI said in a press release. “Our agents are getting answers as to where he went, who he met with, and how those trips may or may not tie into his actions here in New Orleans. We’ve also discovered Jabbar made at least two trips to New Orleans in the months prior to the attacks: one in October and the other a month later in November.”

During his October visit, Jabbar stayed at a rental home in New Orleans beginning October 30, 2024. The FBI revealed that he spent at least two days in the city, using Meta glasses to record video as he rode through the French Quarter on a bicycle. These glasses, which resemble ordinary eyewear, allow users to record hands-free and even live-stream videos. The FBI added, “Jabbar was wearing a pair of Meta glasses during the attack on Bourbon Street, but he did not activate them to live stream his actions that day.”

New Orleans Attack
Photo Credit: Getty Images

On January 2, President Joe Biden disclosed that Jabbar had planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in ice coolers around the French Quarter. A remote detonator found in his vehicle was intended to trigger these explosives before he drove his car into a crowd on Bourbon Street. “They’ve established that the attacker is the same person who planted the explosives in those ice coolers in two nearby locations in the French Quarter just a few hours before he rammed into the crowd with his vehicle,” Biden stated.

The FBI confirmed that two IEDs were recovered, preventing further tragedy. However, the New Year’s attack claimed the lives of 15 people, including Jabbar himself. Investigators labeled the incident an “act of terrorism,” linking Jabbar to ISIS. An ISIS flag was discovered in his vehicle, and videos posted online revealed his allegiance to the group.

As the investigation continues, authorities are piecing together Jabbar’s movements, motives, and connections. The FBI’s findings highlight the calculated nature of the attack, emphasizing the threat posed by individuals inspired by extremist ideologies.

Related post