Recent events in New Orleans and Las Vegas have raised significant concerns about online radicalization and the potential for more attacks. On New Year’s Day, a suspected vehicle ramming incident in New Orleans and an explosion in Las Vegas left many shaken and authorities on high alert.
Dr. Alex del Carmen, a criminologist and regents professor at Texas A&M, expressed his thoughts on the incidents, particularly highlighting the continuing presence of international terrorism within the United States. “What we are seeing is a quick reminder that international terrorism is still very much present in the United States and that Americans are being radicalized to follow an ideology against our United States,” del Carmen stated.
The attack in New Orleans, which occurred on Bourbon Street, involved a suspect identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar. Having lived in Houston and served in the U.S. Army, it is believed Jabbar was radicalized online. Del Carmen pointed out the alarming ease with which individuals, despite their seemingly integrated background, can be influenced by propaganda pushed by foreign entities. “No one is immune from being radicalized, despite the fact that he is homegrown in Texas,” he noted.
The FBI, alongside Homeland Security and the National Counterterrorism Center, had previously issued warnings to local law enforcement agencies about potential vehicle ramming threats during major outdoor events. This preemptive alert underscores the ongoing challenges authorities face in anticipating and preventing terror-related activities.
Del Carmen drew a connection between the New Orleans attack and the explosion of a CyberTruck outside a Las Vegas hotel, emphasizing the possibility of coordinated efforts. He explained, “When I look at that, the probability versus the possibility of something happening, you know, in this particular case, there’s no way this could be completely isolated from one another.”
Authorities reported that both the truck involved in the New Orleans incident and the CyberTruck in Las Vegas were rented via the car-sharing app Turo. The company confirmed its cooperation with law enforcement in investigating these events.
Del Carmen warned of the potential for more comprehensive attacks, stating, “Sometimes terrorist threats test out the waters when they’re organized, and they would send somebody to do something like what happened this morning. Then, you know, two or three days later, they may be a bigger attack because they’re trying to study how we respond to it.” He further stressed the importance of imagining and preparing for “the unthinkable” within the field of criminology, as underestimating adversaries could lead to failure in counter-terrorism efforts.
The recent attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas have underscored the threat of online radicalization and the potential for future incidents. Experts like Dr. Alex del Carmen emphasize the need for vigilance and preparedness, urging authorities to anticipate unconventional tactics and remain proactive in countering terrorism. The cooperation between law enforcement and companies such as Turo highlights the importance of collaborative efforts to address and mitigate these threats.
Source: Fox13news
