Concerns Arise About Extremism, Political Violence After Incidents

Two separate incidents on New Year’s Day in New Orleans and Las Vegas have reignited concerns about political violence and terrorism in the United States, raising questions about the effectiveness of current preventive measures.

At a Glance

Two separate incidents occurred on New Year’s Day 2025 in New Orleans and Las Vegas, involving vehicles rented through Turo.
Both incidents involved U.S.-born military servicemen who served in Afghanistan.
The incidents have drawn concerns about veteran-related violence and extremism within the military, along with political violence.
Questions arise about the effectiveness of current screening processes and efforts to address extremism in the military.

Details of the Attack, Explosion

On New Year’s Day 2025, two separate incidents shook the nation. In New Orleans, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. military veteran with past ISIS support, allegedly drove a Ford pickup into a crowd, killing 14 people. In Las Vegas, Matthew Alan Livelsberger, an active-duty U.S. Army sergeant, allegedly caused an explosion outside the Trump International Hotel using a Tesla Cybertruck. Both vehicles were rented through Turo, a peer-to-peer car rental service.

The FBI has reported that Jabbar acted alone and found no definitive link between the two incidents. Both individuals had served in Afghanistan, raising concerns about veteran-related violence and extremism within the military. These events have prompted a reevaluation of current security measures and screening processes.

Turo’s Role and Response

Turo, which operates in 16,000 cities across multiple countries and facilitates 3.5 million rentals annually, is cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation. The company uses a proprietary “risk score” and multilayer screening process for renters, but both individuals passed these checks without raising red flags.

This incident has sparked debate about the effectiveness of current screening processes for car-sharing services and the potential need for more stringent security measures.

Military Extremism and Veteran-Related Violence

These incidents have reignited concerns about extremism within the military and violence perpetrated by veterans. Studies indicate that military service can be a significant factor in violent acts, with the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) identifying it as a major motivation.

“The military has not adequately addressed the problem, whether it’s white supremacists or Islamic extremists,” Heidi Beirich, a co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, said. “These cases are a reminder of how important it is that people with potential to become extreme aren’t trained in military tactics.”

Despite these concerns, it’s crucial to note that the vast majority of military personnel and veterans lead non-violent lives. However, the incidents have raised questions about the Pentagon’s efforts to identify and eliminate extremist beliefs among military personnel, with critics arguing that current measures are insufficient.

Broader Implications for National Security

These incidents also highlight the concerns of political violence and terror in the United States. FBI Director Christopher Wray has warned of elevated international terrorism threats, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and improved security measures.

“We’re seeing incrementally and materially a diversification of the terror threat relating to not just ideology but also tactics, instrumentality, and how these attacks are organized,” Brian Levin of California State University, San Bernardino, said.

The incidents have sparked questions about balancing security with personal freedoms. As the nation grapples with these challenges, there’s a growing call for more comprehensive strategies to address extremism, improve veteran support services, and enhance overall national security without compromising civil liberties.