The FBI and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have warned law enforcement agencies nationwide about the potential for copycat attacks following the ISIS-inspired incident on New Year’s Day in New Orleans, which resulted in 14 deaths and dozens of injuries.
According to Fox News, The two federal agencies issued a public service announcement to approximately 18,000 law enforcement agencies across the country, including local police and sheriff’s departments.
They urged officers to remain vigilant in light of the possible threat posed by violent extremists following the New Orleans attack.
“The FBI and DHS are concerned about possible copycat or retaliatory attacks due to the persistent appeal of vehicle ramming as a tactic for aspiring violent extremist attackers,” the PSA read.
“Previous attackers inspired by foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) who have conducted vehicle attacks in the United States and abroad have used rented, stolen, and personally owned vehicles, which are easy to acquire.”
The PSA also noted that some of the attackers have used additional weapons such as firearms and knives, to attack individuals once the vehicle stops.
Others have attempted to conceal and pre-position improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to supplement a vehicle attack, the PSA added.
Not only have attacks been on pedestrians, but they have also targeted law enforcement, military members and crowded public venues like festivals and commercial centers, accessible by roadways.
“We ask that the public remain vigilant regarding possible copycat or retaliatory attacks and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement,” the federal agencies said.
