The New Year's Day terror attack in New Orleans tragically highlights the ongoing threat of ISIS-inspired violence. Investigators revealed that the suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a former Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, displayed an ISIS flag on his truck before carrying out the attack. The FBI confirmed Jabbar's allegiance to ISIS through videos posted on Facebook. This incident underscores the need to understand ISIS and its impact on the United States.
A pro-ISIS outlet encouraged attacks on New Year's Eve. (AP Photos / Getty Images)
What is ISIS?
ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria) is a terrorist organization that split from al-Qaeda. It promotes a radical Sunni Islamist ideology aiming to establish a global caliphate ruled by a strict interpretation of Sharia law. The group has been responsible for countless deaths and injuries worldwide through terrorist attacks, beheadings, and systematic sexual violence against those of different faiths. ISIS also targets Sunni Muslims who deviate from their extreme interpretation of Islam.
ISIS gained significant territory in Iraq and Syria under former leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Although al-Baghdadi was killed in 2019 and ISIS lost its territorial stronghold, the group continues to operate covertly.
ISIS Activity in the U.S.
ISIS's decentralized structure allows it to inspire "lone wolf" attacks, making it difficult to distinguish between random acts of violence and terrorism. The group's ideology and past successes have also influenced extremist organizations globally.
Examples of ISIS-Inspired Attacks in the U.S.
Several devastating attacks on U.S. soil bear the mark of ISIS inspiration:
1. 2016 Pulse Nightclub Massacre (49 dead)
Omar Mateen's attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, remains the deadliest terror-related mass shooting in U.S. history. The FBI linked the attack to ISIS.
A memorial for the Pulse Nightclub massacre victims. (George Wilson Foto 2021/DeFodi images via Getty Images)
2. New Orleans Truck Attack (14 dead)
Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 14 people. The FBI confirmed his ISIS affiliation.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar and the crime scene. (Kat Ramirez and FBI)
3. 2015 San Bernardino Shooting (14 dead)
Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik attacked a holiday gathering, killing 14. While not directly attributed to ISIS by the FBI, reports indicate Malik pledged allegiance to ISIS during the attack.
Syed Farook and Tashfeen Malik. (FBI and California Department of Motor Vehicles via AP)
4. 2017 NYC Bike Path Attack (8 dead)
Sayfullo Saipov used a truck to kill eight people on a bike path, an act linked to ISIS.
Sayfullo Saipov and the crime scene. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, Inset: St. Charles County, Mo., Department of Corrections)
5. 2016 Ohio State University Attack (11 injured)
Abdul Razak Ali Artan injured 11 people using a car and a butcher knife. Law enforcement suspected he was self-radicalized by ISIS propaganda.
6. 2017 New York City Subway Bomber (3 injured)
Akayed Ullah detonated a pipe bomb in a subway station, an act inspired by ISIS propaganda.
Akayed Ullah. (AP/New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission)
These incidents highlight the persistent threat of ISIS-inspired terrorism in the United States and the need for continued vigilance.
