Two deadly attacks on New Year’s Day, carried out by individuals with U.S. military backgrounds, have raised serious concerns about extremism within the armed services and the growing threat of political violence in America.
At a Glance
- Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar killed 14 people in a truck rampage in New Orleans
- Active-duty Army service member Matthew Livelsberger allegedly caused an explosion outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas
- Both incidents involved individuals with military training, raising questions about extremism in the armed forces
- The attacks highlight the increasing risks of political violence and terrorism on U.S. soil
New Orleans Attack: ISIS-Inspired Terror
On New Year’s Day, the vibrant city of New Orleans became the site of a horrific terrorist attack. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, an Army veteran who served from 2007 to 2020, drove a truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 14 people and injuring about 30 others. The FBI has confirmed that Jabbar acted alone in what they describe as a premeditated act of terrorism inspired by the Islamic State.
Christopher Raia, an FBI official, stated, “This was an act of terrorism. It was premeditated and an evil act.” The attack has been deemed the deadliest IS-inspired assault on U.S. soil in recent years, sending shockwaves through the nation and raising questions about the effectiveness of counter-terrorism efforts.
Las Vegas Explosion: Unclear Motives
In a separate incident on the same day, Matthew Livelsberger, an active-duty Army service member and Green Beret, allegedly caused an explosion outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas. The motives behind this attack remain unclear, adding to the complexity of the situation and the concerns about extremism within military ranks.
While authorities have found no direct link between the two attacks, they highlight a troubling trend of political violence and the potential dangers posed by radicalized individuals with military training. The Pentagon’s efforts to identify and eliminate extremist beliefs among military personnel have come under scrutiny in light of these events.
Military Extremism: A Growing Concern
The involvement of former and active-duty military personnel in these attacks has reignited debates about extremism within the armed forces. The National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) has reported an increase in extremist acts by individuals with military backgrounds, primarily linked to radical right-wing ideology.
Experts argue that the military has been slow to implement recommendations to address extremism, facing political resistance and criticism for using outdated data. The Department of Veterans Affairs lacks programs to address veterans prone to extremist recruitment, and there are no universal standards across military branches for handling extremism.
These attacks have sparked a national conversation about how to effectively balance public safety with civil liberties. The use of vehicles as weapons, as seen in the New Orleans attack, is part of a growing trend, with over 60 such incidents reported worldwide since 2010.
