Nashville Standard

This week, Chairman Mark E. Green of the House Committee on Homeland Security and Representative August Pfluger, chairman of the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence, issued a formal request to FBI Director Christopher Wray and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. They are seeking updated information regarding Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who is implicated in the New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans.

The letter demands a comprehensive briefing from the FBI and DHS about their investigation into Jabbar's domestic and international travel activities. The chairmen also want confirmation of details previously provided to the committee concerning whether a "travel lookout" was established before the attack occurred. Additionally, they seek clarification on whether intelligence reports were received from foreign governments about Jabbar and what security measures were taken by federal agencies to aid law enforcement in New Orleans.

In their communication, Chairmen Green and Pfluger stated: “Recently, it has come to the Committee’s attention that on December 31, 2024, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) may have submitted a ‘travel lookout’ record for the suspect.” This suggests prior knowledge about Jabbar before his involvement in the January 1 attack.

They further commented: “The Committee recognizes that law enforcement officials commonly create tracking records for suspects... With that said, the FBI has previously informed the Committee that it does not have any evidence or means of intelligence to suggest that the deadly terrorist attack on January 1, 2025, was going to happen.”

Background information indicates that on January 2nd members of various congressional committees were briefed by David Scott from the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. At this briefing it was confirmed there was no evidence suggesting Jabbar had co-conspirators although he acted under ISIS influence. The agency found no record of him on federal watchlists at that time.

The House Homeland Security Committee continues its oversight work following this act of terrorism which resulted in significant casualties on Bourbon Street.