Meta smart glasses used by New Orleans attacker: What to know
The man behind the deadly New Year’s Day truck attack in New Orleans, which left 14 people dead and 30 others injured, had scouted the French Quarter and recorded video with Meta smart glasses, according to the FBI.
The suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, also wore the glasses during the attack but did not activate their livestreaming capabilities.
Why It Matters
The attack is the deadliest on U.S. soil linked to the Islamic State in years.
Jabbar’s use of wearable technology to plan a terrorist attack highlights new concerns about how advanced consumer devices might be applied for nefarious means. Smart glasses, like those developed by Meta in collaboration with Ray-Ban, integrate features such as video recording, audio capture, and AI-assisted functionality. While these innovations are marketed as tools for enhancing everyday life, their misuse can pose significant risks.
Newsweek has contacted Meta for comment via email.
JULIE JAMMOT/AFP via Getty Images
What To Know
Jabbar, a U.S. citizen and former Army veteran, carried out the attack with a rented white Ford F-150 pickup truck, which he drove into a crowd on Bourbon Street. Federal officials have labeled the act as terrorism, stating Jabbar was inspired by the Islamic State militant group. The attack killed 14 people and injured dozens more.
Surveillance video revealed that in the months leading up to the attack, Jabbar visited New Orleans twice to plan his actions, using Meta smart glasses to record the area.
How Do Police Know New Orleans Attacker Jabbar Was a Terrorist?
Investigators found videos on Jabbar’s Facebook account, posted hours before the attack, in which he proclaimed allegiance to the Islamic State and previewed the violence. Authorities have also recovered undetonated explosive devices Jabbar placed in the French Quarter, along with materials for bomb-making at his Houston home.
AFP PHOTO /FBI/ via Getty Images
How Do Meta Glasses Work?
Meta glasses feature built-in cameras, microphones, and AI technology. Key functions include photo and video capture, livestreaming to Meta-owned platforms including Instagram and Facebook, and AI-assisted tasks such as text translation.
The glasses lack a display or augmented reality features, unlike some other smart eyewear. Meta includes a privacy indicator—a light that activates when recording—to alert bystanders, but the FBI has not confirmed whether this feature was operational in Jabbar’s glasses.
The device also allows hands-free interaction, controlled through voice commands, buttons, or gestures. Despite these advancements, the glasses cannot perform more complex tasks such as navigation or restaurant bookings.
Scott Threlkeld/The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate via AP
What People Are Saying
Lyonel Myrthil, the FBI’s New Orleans field office special agent in charge, said in a news conference on Sunday: “Jabbar was wearing a pair of Meta glasses when he conducted an attack on Bourbon Street. But he did not activate the glasses to livestream his actions that day. He was in town for at least two days [during visits to New Orleans before the attack]. During that time Jabbar—using Meta glasses—recorded a video as he rode through the French Quarter on a bicycle. As we continue to learn more about that trip we ask anyone who may have seen or interacted with him to contact us.”
Christopher Raia, the FBI’s Deputy Assistant Director said: “All investigative details and evidence that we have now still support that Jabbar acted alone here in New Orleans. We have not seen any indications of an accomplice in the United States, but we are still looking into potential associates in the U.S. and outside of our borders.”
President Biden told reporters on Sunday “I’ve been there. There’s nothing you can really say to somebody that’s just had such a tragic loss.” He added, “My message is going to be personal if I get to get them alone.”
MATTHEW HINTON/AFP via Getty Images
What Happens Next
As New Orleans prepares for major events, including Mardi Gras in March and the Super Bowl in February, officials are implementing heightened security measures. Federal agencies are assisting with risk assessments, and the city has requested upgrades to its event security rating to receive more resources, as it was revealed last week the area’s vehicle attack barriers were in the process of being replaced when the attack happened.
Biden is set to visit the area Monday to console victims’ families.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
