“One-On-One with Terror: Exclusive 2015 Interview Reveals Shocking Omission”
A New York Times Freelance Writer’s Shocking Revelation: Interviewing a Future Terrorist
In a shocking revelation, a New York Times freelance writer, Sean Keenan, shared his experience of interviewing a man who would later go on to commit a heinous terror attack on New Year’s Day in New Orleans. Keenan interviewed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, now 42, in 2015 while working on an article about college life for veterans. Abdul-Jabbar was a Georgia State University student at the time, majoring in computer information systems.
Keenan described Abdul-Jabbar as a “cool, cool, collected guy” with a “reserved demeanor.” He recalled that Abdul-Jabbar complained about the difficulty of adapting to life after the military, citing the complexity of the VA bureaucracy and the struggle to communicate without using military terminology. Keenan noted that Abdul-Jabbar expressed frustration with the process of applying for civilian jobs, stating that it was difficult without using military lingo.
Fast forward to January 1, 2025, when Abdul-Jabbar allegedly drove his truck through a crowded area on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing 15 people and injuring dozens. Abul-Jabbar was killed in a shootout with law enforcement officials, and authorities found bomb-making materials in an Airbnb he had rented before the attack. The FBI believed that Abdul-Jabbar acted alone and was inspired by the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group.
Keenan was left stunned by the revelation that the man he had interviewed was capable of such a heinous act. He described his colleagues and family members of Abdul-Jabbar as being just as shocked, stating that “it’s been a crazy 180.” Keenan acknowledged that he was still processing everything, noting that Abdul-Jabbar’s reserved demeanor seemed out of place with the events that transpired.
FAQ:
Q: Who is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and what was his role in the New Orleans terror attack?
A: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 42, is the suspect who allegedly drove his truck through a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, killing 15 people and injuring dozens. He was a human resources specialist and IT specialist in the US Army and Army Reserves.
Q: What was Abdul-Jabbar’s background before the attack?
A: Abdul-Jabbar attended Georgia State University from 2015 to 2017 and received a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems. He served in the US Army from 2007 to 2015 and the Army Reserves from 2015 to 2020.
Q: Who interviewed Abdul-Jabbar?
A: New York Times freelance writer Sean Keenan interviewed Abdul-Jabbar in 2015 for an article about college life for veterans.
Q: What did Abdul-Jabbar complain about during the interview?
A: Abdul-Jabbar complained about the complexity of the VA bureaucracy and the difficulty of adapting to life after the military. He also stated that it was hard to communicate without using military terminology when applying for civilian jobs.
Conclusion:
The case of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar highlights the importance of not making assumptions based on appearances or demeanor. Despite Keenan’s initial impression of Abdul-Jabbar as a “cool, cool, collected guy,” he was later revealed to be capable of a heinous act. This incident serves as a reminder that individuals can be complex and multifaceted, and that we should not make judgments based on surface-level characteristics. It also underscores the need for continued vigilance and awareness in the fight against terrorism and extremism.
