The New Orleans attacker believed to have acted alone, according to the FBI, after initial reports suggested he may have had help. A Tajik national living in New York, Mansuri Manuchekhri, was arrested and charged with providing support to ISIS and ISIS-K, as well as possessing firearms unlawfully and immigration fraud. He allegedly facilitated $70,000 in payments to ISIS-affiliated individuals and trained with assault rifles in the U.S.
Manuchekhri was reported by a family member to be increasingly radicalized and had threatened violence. Between 2021 and 2023, he sent money to ISIS-connected individuals, showed support for ISIS, possessed firearms, and frequented shooting ranges. He also entered a sham marriage to obtain legal status in the U.S., which authorities discovered to be fraudulent.
His arrest comes amid warnings of extremist violence, including an assessment following a New Year’s Day truck attack in New Orleans, where 14 people were killed. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism, with the suspect reportedly inspired by ISIS. National security officials have issued warnings about potential threats from violent extremists, including “copycat” vehicle attacks.
Multiple cases involving Americans attempting to join or support ISIS have made headlines, with 246 people charged in the U.S. with offenses related to ISIS between 2014 and 2023. Recent arrests include a New York man planning to join ISIS, a Kentucky man convicted for training and fighting for the terrorist organization, and an Idaho student arrested for planning church attacks on behalf of ISIS.
