FBI: New Orleans attacker frolicked in Tampa
Evan Axelbank stories.
TAMPA, Fla. – FBI brokers stated New Orleans terror suspect Shamsud-Din Jabbar visited Tampa 65 days earlier than he ran over dozens of individuals celebrating New 12 months’s Eve, killing 15.
They stated Jabbar was in Tampa from October 26-28. What they’re attempting to find out is whether or not the cease was about one thing sinister, or one thing harmless.
“Possibly he was going to Busch Gardens. I do not say that sarcastically,” stated former Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan. “Possibly he was right here to fulfill up with somebody. Possibly he was utilizing this as a spot to judge whether or not Tampa was a goal?”
READ: New Orleans assault newest: Suspect visited metropolis twice earlier than
The FBI has not given a touch as to how they found out he was within the space, however they’re asking folks to submit suggestions.
Dugan identified that the world has a joint terrorism job drive.
“[They can] collect extra data to verify there isn’t a one else on this space that is likely to be having those self same sort of ideas,” Dugan stated.
Tampa has had a number of run-ins with terrorism, together with in 2020 when a Temple Terrace officer was attacked by a girl whose brother had been accused of supporting ISIS, the identical group Jabbar claimed to help.
MORE: New Orleans truck assault: What we all know concerning the victims
Former FBI particular agent Lisa Burns expects the FBI will have the ability to decide, primarily based on digital proof, why he was in Tampa.
“I really feel pretty assured that they are going to have the ability to put that image collectively,” stated Burns. “[He] does not appear to be a reasonably refined actor. You already know, the tactic he used for his assault was pretty easy.”
That day, the FBI stated he was not recording with glasses that have been outfitted with a digicam, as he was when he cased the Bourbon Road space.
“He is been killed, and lifeless males inform no tales,” stated Bay Space authorized analyst Anthony Rickman. “And on this explicit case, legislation enforcement has to retrace his steps in every single place he went to find out if there may be anybody else concerned on this case.”
Jabbar additionally traveled to Egypt and to Canada within the months earlier than the assault.
The FBI has arrange an internet site for folks to submit suggestions, which might be finished anonymously, and likewise permits folks to add recordsdata which will help what they’re telling the FBI. Click on right here to submit a tip.
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