DHS and FBI issue joint warning regarding possible copycats of New Orleans terror attack

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI on Monday issued a joint Public Service Announcement (PSA) that warned the public of possible copycats of the New Orleans terror attack, or retaliatory attacks in response to it.

Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who investigators believe was inspired by ISIS, allegedly drove a truck into a crowd of partiers on Bourbon Street on New Years Day, killing 14 people and wounding dozens more.

The joint PSA did not list a specific threat, but the agencies asked the public to report any suspicious activity to local and federal law enforcement. 

"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," the agencies wrote. "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."

The agencies also noted that some of the attackers used additional weapons, like guns and knives, after the vehicles stopped to add to the carnage. Jabbar appeared to use a gun during a shootout with police. 

"Additionally, attackers may attempt to conceal and pre-position improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to supplement a vehicle attack," the PSA said. "Targets have included pedestrians, law enforcement or military members, and crowded public venues, including festivals and commercial centers, which generally are accessible from roadways."

The alert comes after the agencies warned of possible lone wolf attacks, inspired by terrorist organizations, in the past. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.