The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security issued a joint intelligence bulletin on Thursday, alerting the nation’s 18,000 law enforcement agencies about potential copycat attacks following the devastating ramming and shooting incident in New Orleans, haWK News reports.

The bulletin was sent to raise awareness and advise law enforcement nationwide to remain vigilant for any activities suggesting the use of vehicles to cause mass casualties.

“We advise federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial government and law enforcement officials, along with private sector security partners, to stay alert for potential copycat or retaliatory attacks inspired by this and other recent vehicle-ramming incidents globally,” the bulletin stated. The message, obtained by hawk News, emphasized the need for caution against attackers who may use vehicles in combination with firearms, explosives, or edged weapons.

According to the FBI, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the suspect in the New Orleans attack, pledged allegiance to ISIS before carrying out the attack. Since 2014, ISIS has promoted vehicle ramming as a tactic for terrorism, and recent calls for such attacks have intensified amid the Israel-Hamas conflict that began in October 2023.

The bulletin highlighted warning signs for law enforcement, including pre-operational surveillance, suspicious use of fraudulent documents to rent vehicles, online activity inciting violence, or unusual placements of items that could conceal explosive devices.

Authorities clarified that Jabbar acted alone and no evidence suggests co-conspirators or direct ISIS involvement in the New Orleans attack. However, ISIS supporters reportedly celebrated the event online, and intelligence identified potential vulnerabilities during public events as prime targets for attackers.

The investigation into the New Year’s Day attack, which killed 14 and injured 35 on Bourbon Street, led authorities to recover bomb-making materials from Jabbar’s residence in Houston, Texas. Surveillance footage revealed that Jabbar, a U.S.-born Army veteran, planted explosive devices before driving into pedestrians and firing at police. Officers returned fire, killing him.

The New Orleans Police Superintendent confirmed that malfunctioning security bollards, undergoing replacement for the upcoming Super Bowl, contributed to the tragedy. Officials reassured the public that security measures were being reviewed and enhanced for future events.

President Biden labeled the attack a premeditated act of terrorism, adding that there is no evidence of additional threats. Authorities continue investigating Jabbar’s contacts and other incidents, including a separate vehicle explosion outside a Las Vegas hotel, which remains under scrutiny for potential connections.

Despite the ongoing investigations, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell affirmed the city’s readiness to host large-scale events, expressing condolences to the victims' families.