Brother says New Orleans terror suspect converted to Islam long ago: ‘This is more some type of radicalization’

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The brother of the New Orleans terror attack suspect said his actions were the result of “some type of radicalization” and did “not represent Islam.” Just after 3 a.m. on New Year’s Day, police say 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a truck into a New Orleans crowd before opening fire, killing at least 14 people and injuring dozens of others. He also posted several Facebook videos hours before the attack in which he “pledged allegiance to ISIS.” The FBI is now investigating the attack as “an act of terrorism.” His brother, Abdur Jabbar, says they were both raised Christian but that the 42-year-old was “Muslim for most of his life.” “What he did does not represent Islam,” the 24-year-old told The New York Times. “ This is more some type of radicalization, not religion.” open image in gallery Police say Shamsud-Din Jabbar, pictured during his military service, drove a truck bearing the ISIS flag into a New Orleans crowd on New Year’s Day The brothers last spoke in mid-December. “He made good grades and was always well-dressed in button-ups and polo shirts.” Pousson said Jabbar often posted about his faith on Facebook.