SWEET SPRINGS, Mo. – Jordan Derrick, 40, of Sweet Springs, Missouri, is facing federal charges for allegedly publishing online tutorials that enabled a terrorist attack in New Orleans, serving as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by radical Islamic extremism and the vulnerabilities of the internet. The attack, which claimed the lives of 14 innocent people and injured dozens on New Year's Day 2025, underscores the need for decisive action to safeguard national security and uphold American values.

R Matthew Price, U.S. Attorney, announced that Derrick is charged with engaging in the business of manufacturing explosive materials without a license, unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device, and illicitly distributing information relating to manufacturing explosives. These charges highlight the importance of enforcing existing laws and holding individuals accountable for their actions that endanger public safety.

The attack was carried out by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, an Islamic State terror group sympathizer who drove a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street. Jabbar also allegedly planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that he failed to detonate. These devices were reportedly constructed using instructions Jabbar downloaded from Derrick's social media accounts.

The criminal complaint alleges that Derrick's tutorials provided step-by-step instructions for synthesizing volatile, military-grade materials, including RDX, TNT, and PETN, as well as complex compounds like nickel aminoguanidine perchlorate. The FBI confirmed that the unexploded IEDs Jabbar made were consistent with techniques Derrick began posting as early as September 2023.

This case demonstrates the critical need to strengthen border security and prevent the entry of individuals who pose a threat to our nation. We must ensure that our immigration policies prioritize national security and that law enforcement has the resources necessary to identify and apprehend potential terrorists.

It is also imperative to combat radical Islamic extremism both at home and abroad. This includes disrupting terrorist networks, countering extremist propaganda, and working with our allies to defeat ISIS and other terrorist organizations. We must be vigilant in protecting our communities from the threat of radicalization and violence.

This incident further underscores the importance of protecting traditional American values. Strong families, faith-based institutions, and a commitment to individual responsibility are essential to building a resilient society that is resistant to extremism. We must promote patriotism and a sense of national unity to counter the divisive forces that seek to undermine our way of life.