FBI and DHS warn law enforcement of potential copycat attacks similar to New Orleans tragedy

Threat of copycat attacks after ISIS-inspired vehicle attack in New Orleans

The FBI and US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have issued a warning to law enforcement agencies nationwide following the ISIS-inspired terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, which left 14 people dead and dozens injured.

Public safety alert to prevent further violence

In a public service announcement (PSA) sent to approximately 18,000 law enforcement agencies, including local police and sheriff’s departments, federal officials highlighted the risk of copycat or retaliatory attacks. They urged officers to remain hyper-vigilant, especially in light of the tactics used in the New Orleans attack.

“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 PSA stated. It noted that attackers inspired by foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) have frequently used rented, stolen, or personally owned vehicles due to their easy accessibility.

Tactics and threat assessment

The agencies also warned of attackers supplementing vehicle ramming incidents with additional weapons such as firearms, knives, or improvised explosive devices (IEDs). These tactics have been used to inflict maximum harm, with some attackers concealing or pre-positioning explosives to amplify the impact.

The New Orleans incident

The alert comes in the wake of the New Year’s Day attack, where terrorist suspect Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a vehicle into a large crowd in New Orleans. The attack targeted pedestrians, law enforcement officers, and civilians gathered in a public area, emphasizing the vulnerability of crowded venues such as festivals and commercial centers accessible by roadways.

Call for public vigilance

Federal authorities emphasized the importance of public cooperation in preventing future attacks. “We ask that the public remain vigilant regarding possible copycat or retaliatory attacks and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement,” the PSA urged.

This warning highlights the ongoing threat of vehicle-based and other forms of violent extremist attacks, prompting heightened security measures across the country.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.

The post FBI and DHS warn law enforcement of potential copycat attacks similar to New Orleans tragedy appeared first on PGurus.