Shamsud-Din Jabbar, an Army veteran, recorded a video before driving his rented pickup truck into crowds on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, resulting in 14 fatalities. In the video, he expressed his allegiance to ISIS and shared disturbing thoughts about harming his family.
Investigators are examining how Jabbar, who held a senior position at Deloitte and was known for his military service, became radicalized without his family noticing. Recent findings suggest a shift in his beliefs, moving from a conservative interpretation of Islam to extremist views.
Over the past year, Jabbar isolated himself after moving to a predominantly Muslim neighborhood near Houston. Neighbors reported that he rarely attended mosque services and kept to himself, despite living close to places of worship.
His upbringing appeared ordinary, but family members noted a shift toward more hardline religious beliefs in recent years. Jabbar's personal struggles included financial issues and multiple divorces, which may have contributed to his erratic behavior.
In the months leading up to the attack, Jabbar's views became increasingly conservative, expressing disapproval of drinking and partying. He posted recordings online that reflected his growing radicalization, yet the exact moment he transitioned to extremism remains unclear.
On the night of the attack, Jabbar recorded several videos pledging loyalty to ISIS and expressing discontent with his family. He rented the truck shortly before the incident, which occurred just after he shared his final messages online.
Following the attack, his family met with FBI agents, who indicated that there were signs of Jabbar's radicalization. Community members expressed concern over the negative attention brought to their neighborhood and distanced themselves from Jabbar, emphasizing that he was not part of their congregation.
As investigations continue, the local Muslim community is grappling with the implications of Jabbar's actions, reaffirming their commitment to peace amidst rising tensions and anti-Muslim sentiment.