Louisiana, our beloved state, is reeling from a terrorist attack that tragically took the lives of at least 15 innocent individuals, left many others injured, and led to the postponement of the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl. Once again, acts of terror have struck within America’s borders, as Shamsud Din Jabbar plowed a truck through a crowd of revelers in New Orleans, adding to a series of such incidents across the country in recent years. These include the Boston Marathon bombing in April 2013, an axe attack in Queens, New York in October 2014, a shooting in Garland, Texas in May 2015, an assault on military sites in Chattanooga, Tennessee in July 2015, a mass shooting in San Bernardino, California in December 2015, and an attack on a Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida in December 2019.
In the aftermath of a devastating terrorist attack like the one in New Orleans, communities understandably look to the federal government for protection and support. While national security is primarily the responsibility of the U.S. government, state and local authorities also play a crucial role in safeguarding citizens from such threats. In many instances, including the recent attack in New Orleans, it was state and local law enforcement that acted swiftly to prevent further harm.
Louisiana has taken proactive measures to address terrorism, including providing training to law enforcement on identifying potential threats and enacting legislation to prevent and punish such acts. Following the tragic events of 9/11, Louisiana, like most states, established laws defining and penalizing terrorism. The actions of Shamsud Din Jabbar align with Louisiana’s definition of terrorism, given his deliberate targeting of civilians with intent to intimidate or coerce the population.
Efforts to strengthen Louisiana’s anti-terrorism laws, such as expanding protections for critical infrastructure and pursuing those who support terrorists, are essential in combating this menace. Victims of terrorism in Louisiana have legal recourse under Article 2315.9 of the Civil Code, which allows for civil action and compensation, including court costs and attorney fees, against terrorists and their supporters.
Enhancing Article 2315.9 to include exemplary damages would further empower victims and deter those who aid terrorists. Cooperation among law enforcement agencies at all levels, along with robust legal frameworks, is crucial in addressing the complex challenges posed by terrorism and ensuring justice for those affected by such heinous acts.
The State of Louisiana has taken significant steps to address the issue of terrorism within its borders. One such measure is the inclusion of terrorism and material support of terrorism as predicate crimes for Louisiana’s racketeering statute. This statute, which mandates multiple acts, allows for treble damages and asset forfeiture, providing a powerful tool to combat terrorism on a civil level.
By expanding the scope of actionable offenses to include terrorism-related activities, Louisiana is effectively enabling civil suits against organizations that support terrorism and state sponsors of such acts. This legal framework not only allows for the pursuit of justice but also serves as a means to expose and dismantle terror networks operating within the state.
In addition to legislative measures targeting terrorist organizations, states can also implement legal protections for citizens who report suspicions of terrorist activity. While Louisiana has yet to enact such legislation, other states like Mississippi and Tennessee have passed “See Something, Say Something” laws to encourage the reporting of suspicious behavior related to terrorism.
Moreover, states have the authority to empower their attorneys general to take action against non-profit organizations that engage in transactions with terrorists, foreign terrorist groups, or state sponsors of terror. By granting this authority, states like Louisiana could proactively work towards disrupting the financial networks that sustain terrorism.
Recognizing the high rates of recidivism among terrorists and the challenges associated with their rehabilitation, legislatures have considered the implementation of terrorist offender registries as a preventive measure. These registries, akin to sex offender registries, provide law enforcement with additional tools to monitor and prevent convicted terrorists from committing further acts of terrorism.
Louisiana took a significant step in this direction in 2019 by passing a terrorism registry; however, the implementation of this registry was stalled under the previous administration. Contrastingly, Texas has successfully passed and enacted a terrorist offender registry, demonstrating the feasibility and importance of such measures in safeguarding communities from potential threats.
Following a recent terrorist attack on Louisiana soil, it is imperative for the state government to prioritize the security and well-being of its citizens. Adopting a multi-faceted approach, including the consideration of new policies and legislative reforms, can enhance the state’s capacity to prevent future tragedies like the recent terrorist incident in the City of New Orleans.
By remaining vigilant and proactive in addressing the threat of terrorism, Louisiana can create a safer and more secure environment for its residents. Through a combination of legal measures, enforcement actions, and community engagement, the state can effectively combat terrorism and ensure the protection of its citizens from harm.
