Newscast The New Orleans Attack
Jan 2, 2025
In this intriguing discussion, Marianna Spring, the BBC’s social media investigations correspondent, and Justin Webb, host of Americast, unpack the tragic New Orleans attack, probing the dual identity of 42-year-old Shamsu-Din Jabbar as both army veteran and alleged extremist. They highlight the powerful role of social media in shaping public narratives around violent acts. Additionally, Alex Forsyth sheds light on the resignation of 20 Labour councillors in Broxtow, revealing deep discontent within the party that could reshape local politics.
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New Orleans Attack
- Shamsu-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old army veteran, allegedly carried out a ramming attack in New Orleans on New Year's Eve.
- He reportedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group and posted videos online expressing his intent.
Homegrown Terrorism
- The suspect, Shamsu-Din Jabbar, was a US citizen who served in the US military.
- This highlights the complexity of homegrown terrorism, challenging narratives focusing on external threats.
Suspect's Past Life
- A 2020 YouTube video shows Jabbar as a real estate agent, emphasizing his military service and attention to detail.
- This contrasts sharply with his later actions and alleged allegiance to IS.