New Orleans attacker had suspected bomb materials at home, officials say

The man killed by New Orleans police after ramming a pick-up truck into a crowd of New Year’s revellers had suspected bomb-making materials at his home and reserved the vehicle used in the deadly attack more than six weeks earlier, law enforcement officials have told The Associated Press.

Federal authorities searching the home of Shamsud-Din Jabbar in Houston found a workbench in the garage and hazardous materials believed to have been used to make explosive devices, according to law enforcement officials familiar with the search.

The FBI investigation also revealed that Jabbar purchased a cooler in Vidor, Texas, hours before the attack and gun oil from a store in Sulphur, Louisiana, the officials said.

Authorities also determined Jabbar booked his rental of the pick-up truck on November 14, suggesting he may have been plotting the attack for more than six weeks.

Authorities say 14 people were killed and about 30 were injured in the attack early on Wednesday by Jabbar, a former army soldier who posted social media messages saying he was inspired by the so-called Islamic State militant group.

Jabbar, 42, was fatally shot in a firefight with police at the scene of the deadly crash on Bourbon Street, famous worldwide for its festive vibes in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter.

Authorities found crude bombs that had been planted in the neighbourhood in an apparent attempt to cause more carnage.

Two improvised explosive devices left in coolers several streets apart were rendered safe at the scene, officials said.

Other devices were determined to be non-functional.

Authorities on Friday were still investigating Jabbar’s motives and how he carried out the attack.

Two police officers were wounded in the shootout with Jabbar.

New Orleans police declined to comment on how many shots were fired, citing the active investigation.

Bourbon Street was solemn on Friday.

A day after the crime scene reopened to the public, locals and tourists stopped to pay respects to victims of the attack as the sound of bucket drums echoed.

People shed tears while gathering at a growing memorial.

Some left flowers and candles while others dropped to their knees to say a quick prayer.

Meanwhile, 13 people remain in hospital.

Eight people were in intensive care at University Medical Centre New Orleans, spokesperson Carolina Giepert said.

The White House said President Joe Biden would travel to New Orleans next week.

The president and first lady planned to visit on Monday to “grieve with the families and community members impacted by the tragic attack”.