The Tactics Institute for Security and Counterterrorism has warned of grave concern over the rising violent incidents as the critical transition period approaches President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. In line with this is the wave of coordinated and high-profile terror attacks witnessed in the country, such as a devastating vehicle assault in New Orleans and a suicide bombing in Las Vegas, which underline the urgent need for heightened security measures and vigilance. These are alarming developments pointing to the fragile nature of the political climate in the United States and the changing nature of tactics employed by both domestic and international extremist groups.
On New Year’s Eve, tragedy struck in New Orleans when Shamsud Din Jabbar, a US military veteran, drove a rented electric pickup truck into a crowded Bourbon Street celebration. The attack left 15 people dead and dozens more injured. Authorities discovered an ISIS flag inside the vehicle, raising fears of terror links and organized extremist activity. Hours later, a military veteran detonated a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing one person and injuring seven others. The vehicles in both cases were rented from Turo, which raised further suspicion and the inquiry into the two incidents’ potential coordination.
Further investigations into the suspects found that they both served at the same military base, which deepened suspicions of an interconnected terror network. The attacks come amid a broader wave of violence and political unrest, including a nightclub shooting in New York and the horrifying case of a woman burned alive by an illegal immigrant on a New York City subway train. These events, in terms of timing and nature, are reflective of unprecedented volatility, with increased threats from domestic and foreign-influenced actors exploiting the fragile political landscape.
The Tactics Institute is, therefore, calling upon the US government, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders in the private sector to immediately take steps toward dealing with such threats. The federal and state authorities need to monitor and monitor persons known for affiliations to extremists or who have undergone military training. Intelligence among various agencies should be shared widely for one to know in good time of possible dangers that may surface.
Companies like Turo, a service that connects customers with vehicles to rent, must ensure strong vetting and monitoring processes so their services cannot be misused. Interactions with the police must also be pursued for tracing suspicious activities.
Law enforcement agencies need to mobilize more forces to secure public events, prominent locations, and potential targets that are associated with political or ideological importance. Visible security measures can discourage potential attackers and reassure the public.
The US needs to strengthen both domestic and international counterterrorism efforts. Dismantling networks that facilitate extremist activities and the spread of radical ideologies require partnership with allies. Building trust and cooperation with local communities can help identify and address early signs of radicalization. Public awareness campaigns should encourage citizens to report suspicious activities promptly.
The Tactics Institute appeals to the US government and its allies to be vigilant and proactive at this fragile time. The violence should now be throttled; that requires a collective effort from intelligence agencies, law enforcement, private sector stakeholders, and communities. Only by coordinated and decisive action can it root out the causes of this extremism and keep its people safe and stable.
