Mosque Attended By NOLA Terrorist Reportedly Tells Other Members to Avoid Media, Redirect Questions to Attorneys

A social media post reportedly made by the mosque attended by the New Orleans terror suspect tells its members to avoid the media and to redirect questions from the FBI.

Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, killed 14 and injured dozens in an early morning New Year's Day terrorist attack in New Orleans. Jabbar drove onto the sidewalk to avoid a squad car that was blocking Bourbon Street and then intentionally ran over pedestrians. He crashed the truck, got out and was killed in a shootout with police, the FBI stated. Law enforcement said that Jabbar had an ISIS flag with him.

Jabbar lived in a trailer in Houston with sheep and goats roaming the yard, the New York Post reported. The trailer was within walking distance of the Masjid Bilal ISGH mosque, the newspaper reported.

Screenshots reported to be a social media post from the mosque were posted on X by journalist Bree Dail, a contributor for the Daily Wire. The statement counseled members on how to handle questions from the media and the FBI.

"I'm sure many of you have heard about the tragic events that took place in New Orleans this morning that are now being classified as an 'act of terror' by the FBI," the post states. "I want to emphasize the importance of everyone to stay very vigilant and aware of your surroundings. The safety of our community is the most important thing."

"If anyone is contacted by the media," the post continued, "it is very important you do not respond. If approached by the FBI and a response is necessary, please refer to CAIR and [Masjid Bilal] ISGH."

"It is crucial that we stay united at this time," the post concluded, "as we condemn these terrible acts. Please stay safe."

CAIR refers to the Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR). CAIR is a non-profit, civil rights and advocacy organization and the largest Muslim civil liberties organization in the country, according to its website.

Separately, CAIR released a statement Thursday condemning the attack in New Orleans. It states: "We join the New Orleans Muslim community in extending our condolences to the families of those killed in the horrific, senseless and infuriating Bourbon Street attack. May God comfort the families of the victims, heal the injured and protect humanity from those who dare to commit such cowardly acts of mass violence."

The statement from CAIR continues, "We strongly denounce this crime, we stand in solidarity with the people of New Orleans, we encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward immediately, and we pray for a full recovery of those impacted by this crime."

Tags

Terrorism, New Orleans, Murder, Murder investigation, FBI