Federal investigators have uncovered evidence suggesting the perpetrator of the deadly New Year's Day attack in New Orleans attempted to destroy bomb-making materials before carrying out the assault, according to a joint statement released by the FBI and ATF.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, is believed to have intentionally set a small fire within his rented Airbnb property shortly before the attack. Authorities suspect this was a deliberate attempt to eliminate evidence related to his criminal activities. While the fire did not spread significantly, investigators were able to recover crucial items from the scene, including components linked to bomb-making and a suspected homemade silencer for a rifle.
The investigation also revealed that Jabbar planted two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along Bourbon Street, which he apparently intended to detonate remotely using a transmitter discovered in his vehicle. Fortunately, he was unable to activate the devices before he died.
Investigators search the rental home used by Shamsud-Din Jabbar in New Orleans, Louisiana on Thursday, January 2, 2024. (Kat Ramirez for Fox News Digital)
Investigators at the scene of the New Orleans attack. (Kat Ramirez for Fox News Digital)
Evidence collection at the rental property. (Kat Ramirez for Fox News Digital)
Investigators processing the scene. (Kat Ramirez for Fox News Digital)
The aftermath of the attempted arson at the rental property. (Kat Ramirez for Fox News Digital)
Surveillance footage of Shamsud-Din Jabbar prior to the attack. (Federal Bureau of Investigation via AP)
The FBI and ATF have concluded their evidence collection at both the Bourbon Street attack site and Jabbar's rental property. Analysis of the collected evidence is ongoing to further the investigation.
