FBI, DHS Warn of Potential Copycat Attacks

The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have issued a warning about the potential for copycat or retaliatory vehicle-ramming attacks following the New Year's Day incident in New Orleans, where Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a truck into a crowd, killing over a dozen people. This attack has raised concerns due to the ease of acquiring vehicles, which makes them an accessible weapon for aspiring violent extremists. Jabbar, who was inspired by ISIS, was shot dead by police and had been carrying additional weapons, highlighting the potential for attackers to use firearms and knives alongside vehicle attacks. The agencies have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, emphasizing the difficulty in monitoring lone wolf actors who can radicalize quickly. The warning also notes the democratizing effect of vehicle attacks, which require minimal skill but can cause significant harm.