2025 Begins With an Act of Terror in New Orleans
WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch
Deep Dive
Who was responsible for the New Orleans terror attack on New Year's Day 2025?
The attack was carried out by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Army veteran from Texas. He drove a truck through pedestrians on Bourbon Street, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more.
What was the motive behind Shamsud-Din Jabbar's attack in New Orleans?
Jabbar's motive appeared to be Islamist radicalism inspired by ISIS. He posted messages expressing loyalty to ISIS, and an ISIS flag was found on his truck. The FBI confirmed he acted alone.
How did Shamsud-Din Jabbar carry out the New Orleans attack?
Jabbar drove his truck around a police car barricade and onto the sidewalk, mowing down pedestrians. Despite security measures like barriers and officers, he managed to bypass them due to malfunctioning wedges.
What challenges does the FBI face in preventing lone-wolf terrorist attacks?
Lone-wolf attacks are harder to detect because individuals self-radicalize without communicating with others. The FBI relies on monitoring internet activity, mosques, and associations, but it’s difficult to identify threats when there’s no group communication.
What is the significance of the 119th Congress convening in January 2025?
The 119th Congress begins with a vote for House Speaker, with Mike Johnson seeking re-election. The Republican majority is slim, with only a two-seat margin, making Johnson’s position precarious. If he loses, it could disrupt governance and the certification of the presidential election.
What are the potential consequences if Mike Johnson loses the Speaker vote?
If Johnson loses, the House could be thrown into chaos, delaying the certification of the presidential election. Without a Speaker, the House cannot swear in members or conduct business, potentially leading to a temporary presidency by the Senate’s president pro tempore.
Why is the Islamic terror threat still significant in the United States?
Despite being less prominent in public consciousness, Islamic terror groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda remain active. Lone-wolf attacks, inspired by online radicalization, continue to pose a threat, as seen in the New Orleans attack.
What role does the FBI play in countering domestic terrorism?
The FBI focuses on monitoring potential threats, infiltrating radical groups, and preventing attacks. However, challenges arise when individuals self-radicalize without group communication, making it harder to detect and stop them before they act.
What is the proposed rule change regarding the House Speaker's position?
The proposed rule change would require at least nine members to introduce a motion to vacate the Speaker’s chair, up from the current one-member threshold. This aims to prevent a small group from destabilizing the House leadership.
- Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Army veteran, drove a truck through pedestrians on Bourbon Street, killing 15.
- Jabbar had posted messages expressing loyalty to ISIS and an ISIS flag was found on his truck.
- The FBI initially believed Jabbar acted alone, but later confirmed it.
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