New Orleans: A major challenge for the FBI in the New Orleans attack investigation is determining ISIS’s involvement.
Security expert Sajjan M. Gohel suggested the attack had elements reminiscent of ISIS strategy.
“The combination of ramming and shooting suggests an attempt to maximize casualties,” Gohel explained.
He pointed out that vehicle attacks, like the one in New Orleans, are commonly seen in ISIS tactics.
Attack Appears to Have Strategic and Economic Goals
Gohel described the attack as potentially having economic consequences, especially for future New Orleans events.
The location, near where the Sugar Bowl was scheduled, indicates an intent to disrupt significant events.
With the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras approaching, the attack may have targeted economic and cultural repercussions.
The meticulous planning of the attack suggested advanced reconnaissance, allowing the suspect to bypass security measures.
Possible Signs of Planned and Coordinated Attack
Gohel emphasized that the suspect likely carried out careful planning to execute the attack.
The attacker managed to drive onto a pedestrian-only section of Bourbon Street, indicating precise knowledge of the area.
The use of a vehicle and subsequent actions point to the possibility of a “death by cop” mentality.
This strategy involved creating maximum casualties before likely being killed by law enforcement.
Ongoing FBI Investigation: Inspired or Directed?
The FBI must determine if Jabbar’s actions were inspired by ISIS or directly directed by the group.
Gohel stressed that while there were signs linking the attack to ISIS methods, further investigation was necessary.
If the attack was ISIS-inspired, it would indicate growing lone-wolf threats, complicating global security measures.
The investigation will continue to evaluate both connections between the suspect and terrorist organizations like ISIS.
