Extremist Violence Involving Military Personnel: Insights from New Orleans and Las Vegas Attacks

The recent violent incidents in New Orleans and Las Vegas have drawn attention to the involvement of individuals with military backgrounds in ideologically driven attacks. On New Year's Day, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a former US Army soldier, was killed by police after a deadly rampage in New Orleans. This attack, which left 14 dead and many injured, is being investigated as terrorism linked to the Islamic State group.

In Las Vegas, Matthew Livelsberger, an active duty member of the US Army Special Forces, died in an explosion outside the Trump International Hotel. He reportedly shot himself in a Tesla Cybertruck filled with firework mortars and camp fuel canisters before it exploded, injuring seven people. The incident's location and the ties between Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk have raised questions about possible political motivations, though investigators have not yet reached any conclusions.

Military Backgrounds and Extremism

Research indicates that individuals with military experience are increasingly involved in extremist activities. An Associated Press investigation revealed a rise in radicalisation among veterans and active duty service members. Since 2017, hundreds with military backgrounds have been arrested for extremist crimes. These plots have resulted in nearly 100 casualties.

Data from the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) shows that less than 1% of adults serve in the US military. However, active duty members accounted for 3.2% of extremist cases from 2017 to 2022. This disproportionate involvement highlights the potential for mass injury or death when military-trained individuals participate in extremist plots.

Challenges in Addressing Extremism

The Pentagon has faced criticism for its handling of extremism within its ranks. Issues include outdated data and a lack of a comprehensive system to track radicalisation. Despite efforts by the Biden administration to address these concerns, political opposition has hindered progress. Kristofer Goldsmith, CEO of Task Force Butler Institute, noted that Republicans have resisted measures aimed at tackling extremism among veterans.

Goldsmith expressed concern that the incoming Trump administration might focus on attacks linked to ISIS while overlooking threats from far-right extremists. He highlighted that most recent deadly attacks in the US have been perpetrated by far-right groups.

Historical Context of Military-Linked Attacks

While most extremists with military backgrounds align with far-right ideologies, there have been significant attacks motivated by jihadist beliefs. In 2017, an Army National Guard veteran killed five people at Fort Lauderdale airport after radicalising online. In 2009, an Army psychiatrist killed 13 people at Fort Hood after communicating with an al-Qaida operative.

The Pentagon remains committed to understanding and addressing extremism within its ranks. It aims to ensure such behaviour is promptly reported to authorities. However, challenges persist as efforts to combat extremism face political roadblocks.

Both Jabbar and Livelsberger served at Fort Bragg, now Fort Liberty, during their military careers. Officials confirmed no overlap in their assignments at the base. The incidents involving these individuals underscore the complex issue of extremism among those with military experience.