Authorities uncovered a significant terrorism-related discovery at a Texas storage facility linked to Shamsud-Din Jabbar.
At a Glance
- FBI agents found sulfuric acid in a Houston storage unit related to the New Orleans attack.
- The chemical can be used for bomb-making and was linked to ISIS-inspired Jabbar.
- No public safety threat reported from the discovered substances.
- Jabbar’s radicalization involved failed explosive device attempts in New Orleans.
Storage Unit Discovery Raises Alarms
FBI agents discovered a cooler containing sulfuric acid in a northwest Harris County storage unit, tied to Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the domestic terrorist responsible for the Bourbon Street attack in New Orleans. The cooler, filled with bottles of a chemical often used in explosives, was found during a court-authorized search by the FBI and Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Despite the unnerving discovery, authorities confirmed that the materials posed no threat to public safety.
The storage unit, located at SpareBox Storage on Walters Road, was meticulously examined following Jabbar’s violent actions in New Orleans, which left 14 people dead. Jabbar’s activities hadn’t gone unnoticed, with surveillance footage capturing his attempts to place improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in strategic locations. These IEDs, however, failed to detonate, averting potentially catastrophic consequences.
BREAKING NEWS: FBI finds sulfuric acid bottles in Houston cooler similar to New Orleans attack. https://t.co/j0DLwR0wJk
— KPRC 2 Houston (@KPRC2) January 7, 2025
Jabbar’s Radicalization and Attack
The suspect, Jabbar, was motivated by extreme Islamist ideals, reportedly inspired by ISIS. His criminal plan included setting fire to his rental property in New Orleans to obliterate evidence, but remnants of bomb-making materials and a suspected silencer were found. His online activity further revealed his radicalization, such as Facebook videos declaring allegiance to ISIS and outlining his intentions. Initial plans focused on personal vendettas, but he redirected his attempts towards public venues for greater notoriety.
Law enforcement marked the tragic culmination of Jabbar’s plans when he was shot by police after a failed detonation attempt on Bourbon Street. His final act involved crashing into a crane, leading to his death. Federal authorities categorize this incident as a sobering reminder of the perennial threat of domestic terrorism and the sinister influence of radical elements like ISIS.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The events surrounding the discovery have understandably startled local residents. A nearby resident, Earnest Washington, noted the usual quiet nature of the area, expressing disbelief at the potential danger so close to home. The facility itself operates largely without staff presence, relying on self-service kiosks, complicating detection of such activities.
As federal investigations continue, this case underscores the importance of robust counter-terrorism measures, vigilance, and strategic intelligence sharing both nationally and internationally. While SparBox Storage has chosen not to comment, law enforcement agencies remain committed to unraveling Jabbar’s network and potential connections to prevent future tragedies.
Sources:
- FBI finds cooler, sulfuric acid inside NW Harris County storage unit tied to New Orleans attack suspect
- Shamsud-Din Jabbar stored cooler filled with sulfuric acid in rented Texas storage unit before New Orleans terror attack: FBI
