ATLANTA — As we learn more about the suspect in the New Orleans terrorist attack, we’re now hearing from a terrorism expert about how people become radicalized.
Right now, the FBI is looking into whether this was a case of homegrown terrorism.
We know Shamsud Din Jabbar was a veteran from Texas and attended Georgia State University.
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Authorities want to know if Jabbar had any links to terrorist groups after officials say they found an ISIS flag in the back of his truck.
Authorities said Jabbar used that truck to plow through a crowd of people down busy Bourbon Street.
Professor Anthony Lemieux with Georgia State University told Channel 2’s Audrey Washing even though, Jabbar was an Army veteran, it is possible he was radicalized by a terrorist organization.
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“Groups like ISIS and terrorist groups across the board, international or domestic, look for people with military background and capabilities, so they can have the capability to act on these bad intentions,” Lemieux said.
The professor said those who become radicalized often have personal disruptions that lead them down a dark and dangerous path.
Authorities said Jabbar was in debt and going through a divorce.
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“They move towards these groups because there is an appeal that they can right some of the wrongs or address their grievances,” Lemieux said.
Lemieux said terrorists often choose public spaces for violence to send a broader message.
“The goal is to get the attention. The goal is to do something shocking and outrageous,” Lemieux said.
Investigators said Jabbar posted videos on social media indicating that he was inspired by ISIS.
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