The individual facing charges for the deaths of 14 people in a New Orleans terror incident on New Year’s Day was equipped with “smart” glasses, which could have streamed the attack live, officials stated on Sunday.

Shamsud-Din Jabbar utilized these glasses to capture footage of his bicycle ride through the French Quarter during an October visit to New Orleans, a time when he may have been plotting the assault, according to Lionel Myrthil, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s New Orleans office, who spoke at a news conference about the incident.

Jabbar drove his truck into a crowd celebrating just after 3 a.m. on New Year’s Day, resulting in numerous fatalities and over 30 injuries, some severe. Officials noted that the situation could have been even worse; newly released surveillance footage reveals Jabbar placing homemade explosives hidden in coolers at two locations on Bourbon Street hours prior to the attack, which fortunately did not activate.

FBI representatives announced on Sunday that they are also examining Jabbar’s travels from the previous year. “Jabbar flew to Cairo, Egypt from June 22 to July 3, 2023. Shortly after, on July 10, he went to Ontario, Canada, returning to the U.S. on July 13, 2023,” said Myrthil.

“Our agents are diligently uncovering details about his travels, the individuals he met, and how these trips might connect to his actions in New Orleans,” he added.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced that the Greater New Orleans Foundation has created a fund for donations at gnof.org. She is set to welcome President Joe Biden to the city on Monday and plans to request the presence of a tactical expert to provide “target hardening measures” for upcoming national events like the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras.

Security enhancements ahead of the Super Bowl, set for February 9, will commence on Monday.

“Our aim is to enhance public safety as we prepare to host major events in New Orleans,” Cantrell stated.

Days of mourning established for each victim

Governor Jeff Landry informed that he has reached out to the families of all 14 victims. In their honor, each victim will have an individual day of mourning from Monday until January 23, according to Landry. Families have the option to have state police take their loved ones’ remains to local destinations.

“We will make sure that their heartbreaking loss is remembered,” Landry asserted. “We are devoted to doing all we can to honor the victims, along with their family and friends.”

Christopher Raia, the FBI’s deputy assistant director in the Counterterrorism Division, remarked that the investigation continues to suggest that Jabbar acted independently. More than a thousand tips are being evaluated, and local, state, and federal authorities will ‘leave no stone unturned’ as they seek to grasp every aspect of the killer and the incident.

“This effort is for the victims and their families, even though we recognize that nothing can alleviate their sorrow and loss,” Raia expressed.

Biden’s visit to New Orleans on Monday

The president and first lady Jill Biden will visit New Orleans on Monday to mourn with families and community members while engaging with local officials, as per a White House statement. Monday also marks the beginning of Carnival, a season of parades, king cakes, and colorful bead crafting in Louisiana leading up to Mardi Gras, meaning “Fat Tuesday.” Following this, Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent.

Carnival festivities kick off with several parades

The most significant Carnival celebrations occur in New Orleans, where Mardi Gras Day holds official status as a holiday that the city has honored for many years. On Monday, at least six parades are expected, with two taking place in the French Quarter near the site of the recent attack on Bourbon Street.