US agencies concerned about copycat potential after deadly New Orleans attack

Jabbar, who had an Islamic State flag affixed to the rear of the rented truck, was subsequently killed in a gunfight with police.

The FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and the US National Counterterrorism Centre stated in the intelligence bulletin, seen by Reuters, that they are concerned about the possibility of imitation or retaliatory attacks.

Such methods “are likely to remain appealing to potential attackers due to the ease of acquiring vehicles and the minimal skill required to carry out an attack,” noted the bulletin, which was circulated among US law enforcement agencies.

The bulletin also added that, as of Thursday, the Islamic State had not claimed responsibility for the New Orleans attack. However, its online supporters had celebrated the incident alongside a December 20 vehicle-ramming attack in Germany, even though the latter event did not appear to be connected to the group.

Online forums have also seen references to these attacks, with calls for violence against specific communities, such as immigrants or Muslims, the bulletin added.

Despite significant losses inflicted by a US-led military coalition that reclaimed the territory the militants controlled in Syria and Iraq in 2014, the Islamic State continues to disseminate propaganda and recruit followers online.

The bulletin urged law enforcement personnel and private security organisations to remain vigilant, noting that many attackers who used vehicles in past incidents were also armed and continued their assaults using firearms or bladed weapons.

Further Attacks

The January 1 incident in New Orleans’ bustling French Quarter was the seventh attack in the United States since 2001 attributed to foreign extremist organisations, the bulletin stated.

A black flag with white lettering lies on the ground rolled up behind a pickup truck that a man drove into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing and injuring a number of people, early Wednesday morning, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Although firearms and “edged weapons” have been more commonly used in such attacks, vehicles could pose an increasing threat, it warned.

Foreign terrorist organisations and their media supporters have continued to issue calls for attacks, particularly during festive periods such as the winter holidays and New Year’s celebrations, according to the bulletin.

On December 30, “a pro-ISIS media unit” urged attacks on New Year’s Eve celebrations in the US and allied countries, releasing videos showcasing past Islamic State attacks and encouraging further acts of violence, the bulletin reported.

The Biden administration is keeping President-elect Donald Trump and his transition team updated on the ongoing investigations into both the New Orleans attack and an explosion on the same day outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, Reuters reported citing sources.