New Year’s Attack Prompts Worries About Extremism

Concerns about political violence and terrorism rear their heads in America as two New Year’s Day vehicle incidents shake New Orleans and Las Vegas.

At a Glance

Two incidents on New Year’s Day were allegedly perpetrated by individuals with military backgrounds.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar’s alleged vehicle attack in New Orleans killed 14 people.
Matthew Livelsberger, a Green Beret, allegedly exploded a vehicle at the Trump hotel in Las Vegas.
Concerns arise over extremism within the U.S. military.

Analyzing the New Year’s Day Incidents

New Year’s Day saw America rattled by two separate acts of violence in New Orleans and Las Vegas. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, an Army veteran, allegedly rampaged with his truck through a crowd in New Orleans, killing 14 and injuring about 30. In addition, an active-duty service member Matthew Livelsberger allegedly caused an explosion outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas. Both perpetrators had military backgrounds, spotlighting concerns about extremism in the armed services.

The New Orleans attack was especially tragic, with Jabbar’s actions described as a premeditated act of terrorism. The FBI reversed its initial stance of external involvement, confirming Jabbar acted alone, yet investigations continue to unravel his radicalization path. Livelsberger’s motive is still under investigation.

Concerns About Political Violence and Military Extremism

These incidents have raised concerns about terror, political violence, and extremism within the military. The Pentagon’s efforts to root out radical beliefs among service members are scrutinized. “The military has not adequately addressed the problem, whether it’s white supremacists or Islamic extremists,” says Heidi Beirich, co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism. This highlights the potential dangers when highly trained personnel are radicalized.

According to CS Monitor, a study revealed that vehicle-ramming attacks have been on the rise since 2010. Equally concerning, it is more difficult for authorities to prevent attacks by lone actors compared to larger groups.

Jabbar’s alleged attack on Bourbon Street was reported by authorities to be an IS-inspired act, marking it as the deadliest IS attack on U.S. soil in recent years. An ISIS flag was found in his vehicle, alongside videos promoting extremist ideology. Despite disbelief expressed by his family and friends, the FBI is committed to uncovering the roots of his path to radicalization.

The attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas meant to terrorize and kill Americans as we begin the new year are cowardly acts. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We must remain vigilant in NY and work together as a nation to address this senseless violence.

— Tom DiNapoli (@NYSComptroller) January 2, 2025

Balancing Security and Freedom

Matthew Livelsberger, deployed in the Green Berets with an unclear motivation for his actions, poses questions about the clash of national security and civil liberties in America. “Do we want to live in a police state and be safe? Or do we want to not live in a police state and then take the risks of things like this?” commented Laura Dugan, emphasizing the dichotomy faced by the public. “We’re not going to be 100% secure from attacks, we’re just not. … But I personally don’t think it’s worth living in fear, either.”

The concurrent incidents have raised questions about the balance between securing public spaces and maintaining freedoms characteristic of American life. These incidents highlight the evolving landscape of political violence and demand vigilant strategies while respecting constitutional rights.