Unexpected Links: Shamsud-Din Jabbar, ISIS, and New Orleans Incident Uncovered

Crime scene tape and evidence markers on pavement

Authorities discovered a dangerous find in a Texas storage locker linked to a Bourbon Street attacker with ISIS connections.

At a Glance

  • Sulfuric acid found in a cooler linked to the attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
  • Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who carried out the attack, was inspired by ISIS.
  • The FBI and Harris County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
  • The attack left 14 dead and dozens injured.

Discovery in Texas

FBI agents found a cooler containing sulfuric acid in a Harris County, Texas, storage unit. This discovery is linked to the terrorist attack on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street. Authorities identified the storage facility as SpareBox Storage located on Walters Road, Houston.

The sulfuric acid found is a chemical often used directly in the bomb-making process, raising alarms about its presence. Federal investigators believe the acid was part of an arsenal planned by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who was reportedly inspired by ISIS.

The investigation unfolded following a court-authorized search, ensuring public safety was maintained throughout. “I can confirm that FBI Houston and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office were present… conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity related to the Bourbon Street attack,” the FBI stated unequivocally.

Bourbon Street Attack

The attack on Bourbon Street resulted in 14 fatalities and left dozens injured. Jabbar acted alone, executing his plans in a rented truck he crashed into a crane. His actions were prelude by placing improvised explosive devices in coolers around the area, yet these adaptations failed to detonate.

Surveillance footage captured Jabbar in action, strategically positioning these IEDs before his truck attack. Bombs likely composed of RDX were found, but didn’t explode, preventing a larger tragedy.

Jabbar’s social media presence further indicated his motivations, voicing support for ISIS in Facebook videos and revealing an intent to draw media attention to an ideological conflict.

Closer to Home

Local resident Earnest Washington expressed disbelief about the event’s proximity, stating, “You wouldn’t believe that, you know, so close to home that this could be going on.” The storage area, normally quiet and self-operated, was a surprise setting for such an international terror link.

Federal authorities continue to emphasize there is no ongoing threat from the materials discovered. The investigation encapsulates the merging of local tranquility with international terror networks, presenting new challenges for law enforcement.

Sources:

  1. FBI finds cooler, sulfuric acid inside NW Harris County storage unit tied to New Orleans attack suspect
  2. Shamsud-Din Jabbar stored cooler filled with sulfuric acid in rented Texas storage unit before New Orleans terror attack: FBI

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