HOUSTON — The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Houston has confirmed the discovery of bomb-making chemicals at the Texas home of Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the suspect in the Bourbon Street attack.
Agents with the FBI’s Houston branch said via email that “precursor chemicals” were recovered from a property in north Harris County. The specific materials and their intended use remain unclear.
Authorities discovered two ice chests containing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on Bourbon Street shortly after the New Year’s Day attack that killed 14 people and injured 35.
On Wednesday, police cordoned off a Houston neighborhood where Jabbar’s last known address was listed—a small white mobile home in a gated community. The FBI concluded its search of the property on Thursday, confirming the presence of the chemicals but withholding further details.
“We can confirm ‘precursor chemicals’ were found at a north Harris County property. This is an ongoing investigation for which FBI New Orleans is the lead agency,” the FBI told KHOU via email.
Jabbar, a former U.S. Army staff sergeant, served from 2007 to 2020. He was deployed to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010, working in human resources and information technology. He transitioned to the Army Reserve in 2015 before leaving military service five years later.
MORE COVERAGE:
FBI believes New Orleans attack suspect acted alone, Bourbon Street reopens
Dramatic police, EMS calls for more help show desperation on Bourbon St.
Victims identified in deadly Bourbon Street attack
Blood donations needed after Bourbon Street terror attack
► Get breaking news from your neighborhood delivered directly to you by downloading the new FREE WWL-TV News app now in the IOS App Store or Google Play.