By Staff
According to the latest news reports, at least 14 people are dead and 35 injured in the New Year’s Eve attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans in what’s been labeled a “terrorist attack” by the FBI.
“The FBI confirmed the identity of the suspected driver of the truck as Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, of Texas ~ despite previous reports, investigators believe Jabbar acted alone in the attack. According to the FBI, Jabbar drove to New Orleans on Dec. 31 and posted on Facebook his support for ISIS.
Jabbar said he joined ISIS before the summer and had originally planned to kill his family. According to the FBI, Jabbar felt that killing his family “would not focus on the war between the believers and disbelievers.”
Earlier this year in an episode on the ‘Shawn Ryan Show’, National Security Expert Sarah Adams sounded the alarm, revealing that terrorist attacks were being planned for U.S. soil in 2025. According to her sources, the attacks would be carried out by trained terrorists, many of whom came across the U.S. border undetected.
“In the U.S. homeland, they want to use a thousand terrorists, so that took time to put the thousand through the pipeline.”
Jabbar was a U.S. citizen inspired by ISIS.
The attack on Bourbon Street, known for its large crowds, raises serious concerns for venues hosting large gatherings, including the casino industry.
IS THE CASINO INDUSTRY PREPARED?
Just two months ago a man was arrested for placing explosive devices in restrooms at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa, Florida. Although the incident was thwarted, the ease with which multiple devices capable of mass casualties were brought onto the property raises serious concerns.
Its sister property in Hollywood, Florida is set to host the annual ‘Lucky Hearts Poker Open’ beginning January 9th. Last year the series attracted over 12,000 participants. In addition to large crowds expected at the casino, Miami Hard Rock Stadium will be hosting the Orange Bowl.
MIAMI POLICE RAMP UP SECURITY
NBC Miami reports police are “honing’ their security plans, including in Miami Beach where permanent barriers are set up in areas with high foot traffic.
“In the next couple of days, residents and visitors can expect to see an increased policing staffing to kind of re-ensure, not only are those barriers in place, but also we have eyes on the ground,” said Miami Beach Police spokesperson Christopher Bess.
CASINO TOWN HAS EXTRA SECURITY MEASURES IN PLACE
An hour west of New Orleans, in neighboring Mississippi, Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich announced an increase in “police and security presence for largely populated events” following a mass shooting on Beach Boulevard in 2023.
Biloxi is home to eight first-class casinos, including The Beau Rivage, which is set to host its ‘Heater Poker Tournament’ (Jan 3-13). The event is expected to attract over 10,000 participants.
POKER PLAYERS ON EDGE
In 2022 during the World Series of Poker players “scrambled for cover after a smashed glass window was mistaken for the sound of gunfire.”
While most casinos already have measures in place, such as ID scans and bag and backpack searches, visitors can expect extra precautions moving forward.
HOW TO HELP
- Leave backpacks in your rooms or vehicles ~ whenever possible
- Arrive early to avoid causing congestion
- If you see something suspicious notify authorities
