FBI officials on Sunday said their investigation into the deadly truck attack in New Orleans is now “crossing state and international borders,” and that the attacker had travelled to both Egypt and Canada.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Houston, travelled to Egypt and Canada before the New Year’s Day attack, although it was not yet clear whether those trips were connected to the attack, Christopher Raia, the agency’s deputy assistant director, said at a news conference.
Jabbar travelled to Cairo from June 22 to July 3, 2023. A few days later, he flew to Ontario on July 10 and returned to the U.S. on July 13.
“Our agents are getting answers to where he went, who he went with and how those trips may or may not tie into his actions here,” said Lyonel Myrthil, FBI special agent in charge of the New Orleans field office.
Authorities say Jabbar had also travelled to New Orleans ahead of the attack in October. Myrthil said video shows him riding through the French Quarter on a bicycle wearing Meta smart glasses, which are capable of recording or livestreaming.
At a news conference Sunday in New Orleans, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry paid tribute to each of the 14 people killed in the New Year’s Day truck attack and declared a period of mourning that will begin Monday. The victims ranged in age from 18 to 63 and came from Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, New Jersey and Britain.
Investigators previously said Jabbar, a 42-year-old former U.S. army soldier, had proclaimed his support for the Islamist militant group ISIS in online videos posted hours before he struck on Bourbon Street early last Wednesday, killing 14 people and injuring dozens. Police fatally shot Jabbar during a firefight at the scene.
Thirteen people remain hospitalized after the attack.
Raia reiterated on Sunday that the FBI believes Jabbar acted alone.
“All investigative details and evidence that we have now still support that Jabbar acted alone here in New Orleans,” Raia said. “We have not seen any indications of an accomplice in the United States, but we are still looking into potential associates in the U.S. and outside of our borders.”
New Orleans is remembering the victims of a deadly New Year’s Day truck attack as the FBI shifts its investigation to Shamsud-Din Jabbar’s home state of Texas, where officials say he developed his pro-ISIS beliefs.
The RCMP has not responded to previous requests by CBC News for comment on Jabbar’s movements in Canada and whether the police force is working with the FBI on the investigation.
U.S. President Joe Biden planned to travel to New Orleans with his wife, Jill Biden, on Monday to “grieve with the families and community members impacted by the tragic attack.”
The youngest victim was 18 years old and the oldest 63. Most victims were in their 20s. They came from Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, New Jersey and Britain.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said the innocent lives lost will never be forgotten as he declared a period of mourning for the victims that is scheduled to begin on Monday. A different victim is to be remembered each day.
“However, Louisiana and her people will never cower in fear,” he said.
“Instead, we will unite and come back stronger in honour of every person who lost their lives that day.”
