In a terrifying turn of events, the tragic ramming attack that claimed the lives of 14 patrons in New Orleans on January 1 has revealed unsettling details about the suspect's premeditated actions. Investigators from the FBI disclosed on January 5 that Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran, had conducted reconnaissance missions in the city leading up to the incident.

According to the investigation, Jabbar had visited New Orleans multiple times before the attack, including a trip in late October where he was documented riding a bicycle through the lively and iconic French Quarter. During this fateful visit, he filmed the bustling streets using his Meta smart glasses, equipped with camera technology that allows users to record without the need for handheld devices. The chilling footage, which has been shared by the FBI, shows Jabbar appearing to test the glasses by inspecting his reflection in a mirror.

The FBI reported that Jabbar returned to New Orleans on November 10, mere weeks before his deadly assault. On New Year's Day, he made his way through the crowded Bourbon Street, where he was able to drive a rented pickup truck around a barrier, speeding into the throngs of partygoers, resulting in an unimaginable tragedy that left at least 30 people injured alongside the fatalities.

What makes this case even more alarming is Jabbar's extremist background. He publicly pledged allegiance to the militant group ISIS on social media, raising questions about his motives and connections. Investigators noted that in the two years leading up to the attack, he had traveled to both Egypt and Canada; details about his activities during those foreign trips remain unclear. The FBI is actively seeking to uncover any individuals he may have interacted with during his time abroad.

During the course of their investigation, agents recovered two firearms from Jabbar's possession: a 9mm pistol and a .308-caliber semi-automatic rifle. Even more troubling, authorities revealed that Jabbar had also constructed two homemade bombs, which he had strategically placed along his route, with potential plans to detonate them. Fortunately, thanks to the rapid response of New Orleans police, these explosives were not triggered.

As law enforcement continues to delve deeper into Jabbar's motives and associations, the chilling implications of his actions resonate throughout the community. This harrowing case stands as a sobering reminder of the ongoing threats posed by lone-wolf attackers inspired by extremist ideologies.

With the investigation ongoing, many are left questioning how such premeditated violence can be prevented in the future. Stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates on this shocking story.