The FBI and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a joint warning on Monday regarding the potential threat of copycat attacks following the deadly New Year’s Day vehicle ramming in New Orleans. A man drove a rented pickup truck into a crowd along Bourbon Street, killing 14 and injuring several others. The assailant, a U.S. Army veteran, had pledged allegiance to ISIS and condemned music, drugs, and alcohol in recordings.
With President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration scheduled for Jan. 20, authorities are concerned about possible retaliatory or inspired attacks. The warning highlights the risk of violent extremists adopting vehicle ramming as a tactic, which has been used both in the U.S. and abroad. The attackers may also attempt to supplement their attacks with improvised explosive devices (IEDs), posing further threats to public safety.
The FBI and DHS specifically noted that previous targets have included pedestrians, law enforcement, military personnel, and crowded public places easily accessible from roadways.
As a precaution, both agencies urge the public to remain vigilant for suspicious activity and report it to law enforcement to help prevent further incidents. Authorities are stepping up efforts to counter the growing trend of vehicle-based assaults, urging individuals and communities to stay alert to potential threats in the wake of the tragic attack.
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