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Concerns Grow Over Domestic Terrorism as Recent Attack Sparks National Security Debate

House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green, a Republican from Tennessee, expressed deep concerns on Wednesday regarding the rise of domestic threats, attributing these issues to what he termed the “national security blunders” of the past four years. He emphasized that these failures have “emboldened” foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) and fueled homegrown violent extremism.

On the same day, the committee released an updated Terror Threat Snapshot, underscoring the dangers posed by domestic extremists inspired by internationally recognized jihadist networks such as ISIS. Green stated, “Emboldened by the national security blunders of the past four years, foreign terrorist organizations and jihadist networks abroad remain committed to recruiting and radicalizing individuals on U.S. soil.”

The report emerges in the wake of a tragic incident in New Orleans, where on January 1, a local man and U.S. military veteran, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, carried out a deadly attack that claimed the lives of 14 civilians. Authorities labeled this assault as inspired by ISIS, highlighting the severe ongoing risks associated with terrorism in the United States.

Recent Attacks Highlight Ongoing Threats

Green remarked that the New Orleans attack serves as a stark reminder of the prevailing terror threat in America, stating that as recently as October, the House Homeland Security Committee had raised alarm about escalating threats. The report cataloged over 50 jihadist-related cases across 30 states from April 2021 to January 2025, documenting numerous attempts to provide support to ISIS and other extremist groups.

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Linking Leadership to Security Issues

Green’s concerns were echoed by Rep. August Pfluger, a Republican from Texas, who stated, “There is no question that our national security is in a state of disrepair after the past four years of failed leadership.” Pfluger noted that American public gatherings have increasingly become targets for terrorist attacks, especially as organizations like ISIS and al Qaeda gain confidence in regions such as the Middle East and North Africa.

The FBI is currently investigating the attack in New Orleans, with authorities indicating that Jabbar had previously traveled to various locations, including Cairo and Toronto, prior to his assault. Surveillance footage captured Jabbar just an hour before the attack, leading to concerns about how he could have prepared for such acts.

Public Response and Legal Action

The fallout from the New Orleans incident has seen multiple victims filing lawsuits against the city, arguing that prior warnings regarding potential terrorist threats were ignored. Legal representatives have pointed to city planning documents that indicated awareness of risks surrounding crowds on Bourbon Street, suggesting negligence in preventive measures.

One particular lawsuit described how city contractors failed to implement necessary security measures despite being aware of the escalating risks of such attacks. A report submitted by a contractor illustrated scenarios very similar to the actual events, noting the potential for a vehicle attack in that exact area.

Security Measures in Question

The failed security arrangements for the French Quarter were outlined in a broad infrastructure project initiated in 2017, which included recommendations for installing bollards to safeguard against potential mass casualty incidents. However, reports indicated limited action taken to reinforce these protective measures in a timely manner, despite clear assessments of risk from federal and local authorities alike.

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An assessment conducted by the FBI in 2019 highlighted Bourbon Street as a high-profile target for terrorism, explicitly criticizing the effectiveness of the current bollard system in place. The report warned that the intended defenses were inadequate and could lead to grave consequences during crowded events.

While the investigation into Jabbar’s motives continues, the FBI has determined that his actions were fueled by ISIS ideology. This ongoing probe raises questions about broader security policies and how they address the persistent risk of domestic terrorism.

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