FBI investigates New Orleans attacker's links to ISIS
Jan 2, 2025
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Kai Bird, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and biographer of Jimmy Carter, joins the discussion on pressing societal issues. Counterterrorism expert Javed Ali analyzes the tragic New Orleans attack by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, revealing disturbing ties to ISIS. They explore the growing trend of vehicle ramming as a terrorist tactic. Bird reflects on Carter's significant yet complex legacy, highlighting his humanitarian efforts and contributions to race relations during his presidency. The conversation weaves through themes of grief, resilience, and societal impact.
The FBI's investigation into Shamsud-Din Jabbar reveals his calculated planning and ties to ISIS, emphasizing the threat from homegrown extremists.
Historian Kai Bird highlights Jimmy Carter's impactful yet often overlooked presidency, arguing his humanitarian efforts reflect his enduring commitment to moral governance.
Deep dives
Investigation of New Year's Attack in New Orleans
A recent vehicle ramming attack in New Orleans resulted in 14 fatalities and numerous injuries. The assailant, Shamsuddin Jabbar, acted alone, as determined by authorities. Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran with ties to extremist ideologies, had uploaded a video pledging allegiance to ISIS before the attack. The investigation indicates that Jabbar's actions followed a pattern typical of homegrown extremists, raising concerns about the ongoing influence of ISIS even as its overall presence has diminished.
Radicalization and Pre-Attack Planning
Experts in terrorism stress that Jabbar's assault was not spontaneous, suggesting it involved significant pre-attack planning. His choice of a bustling New Year celebration and the timing of the attack point to a calculated decision that likely required weeks of preparation. Surveillance conducted by Jabbar prior to the attack could indicate that he deliberately selected the moment and location to maximize potential casualties. This methodical behavior aligns with what has been observed in other extremist attacks, highlighting the risk posed by self-radicalized individuals.
Jimmy Carter's Underrated Presidency
Historian Kai Bird argues that Jimmy Carter's presidency is often misunderstood due to a prevailing narrative that overlooks his significant accomplishments. While viewed as unsuccessful by many, Carter's contributions included progressive policies on race, energy independence, and environmental protections. His post-presidency humanitarian work is frequently celebrated, yet Bird believes it should be seen as a continuation of his presidential philosophy. Carter's commitment to truth and moral governance shaped lasting change, making his presidency more consequential than commonly recognized.
Counterterrorism expert Javed Ali shares what we're learning about Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the U.S. army veteran behind Wednesday's deadly truck attack in New Orleans. The FBI says Jabbar posted videos before the attack saying he was inspired by the extremist Islamic State group. Then, one mother whale from Washington state's Puget Sound became famous for carrying her dead calf on her nose in a "tour of grief." Now, her pod has had another baby. KUOW John Ryan's tells us more. And, Jimmy Carter spent only one term as president, but his time in the White House made a lasting contribution. Biographer Kai Bird joins us to talk about Carter: the man, the president and the humanitarian.