Terrorism remains one of the most unpredictable and devastating threats to modern society.
Its power lies in its ability to take ordinary moments — holiday celebrations, bustling public squares — and turn them into scenes of fear and tragedy.
The recent events in the U.S reminds us that vigilance is crucial, especially during times of joy and togetherness.
Warned about vehicles
Last month, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a bulletin cautioning law enforcement about potential holiday season violence.
The alert, shared with federal, state, and local agencies, highlighted the risk of lone actors using everyday items like vehicles to cause mass harm.
Tragically, this warning materialized on New Year's Eve in New Orleans, when a truck plowed into a crowd on Bourbon Street.
The attack claimed 14 lives, including the perpetrator, and left dozens injured, according to Digi24.
The suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen and army veteran from Texas, was labeled a "lone wolf" by the FBI.
Officials declared the attack an act of terrorism. According to authorities, these types of individuals often rely on accessible tools — knives, firearms, or vehicles — that require little preparation but can cause significant damage.
The DHS bulletin, dated December 6, pointed to past incidents as examples of the persistent risk.
It specifically mentioned a vehicular attack earlier in the month at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany.
Such attacks often target places where crowds gather, taking advantage of the limited security measures available in public spaces.
FBI Deputy Director Christopher Raia emphasized the ongoing threat posed by these lone actors.
The use of vehicles as weapons has been seen multiple times in the United States, and this tactic continues to demonstrate its devastating effectiveness.
