EX-PRESIDENT Jimmy Carter's state funeral is the "perfect target for terrorists" after the two deadly New Year's Day attacks, warns a security expert. International security specialist Will Geddes told The Sun that American officials "cannot afford" to allow for another strike at the event with the world's eyes firmly fixed on it.
![[A man blew up a Cybertruck in Las Vegas outside of a Trump hotel on New Year's Day]](https://www.the-sun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/image_44c10e.jpeg?strip=all&w=815)
The US has been rocked by two separate attacks which left 16 people dead earlier this week. A suspected terrorist with links to ISIS mowed down and shot dead 14 New Year's Eve revellers in New Orleans. He was taken out by cops in a firefight after leaving behind a trail of destruction in Louisiana.
![[The wrecked truck used by Jabbar as he killed 14 people in New Orleans]](https://www.the-sun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/image_bd6ee5.jpeg?strip=all&w=959)
Hours later, an active US soldier shot himself inside a Cybertruck before blowing up the Tesla on a busy street in Las Vegas and sending debris flying into terrified pedestrians. Will told The Sun these two tragedies need to act as a "wake up call" for security teams as they gear up towards the funeral of former president Carter.
![[Former President Jimmy Carter will have a state funeral next week after his death]](https://www.the-sun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/former-president-jimmy-carter-poses-960479711.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The grand event is due to take place in Washington on January 9, and it will see dozens of world leaders come together with the general public to celebrate the life of Carter. Joe Biden is set to lead the occasion for his close friend with the incoming Donald Trump also saying he will attend.
![[The FBI said Jabbar put an ISIS flag on the rented Ford F-150 Lightening]](https://www.the-sun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/image_8be0fe.jpeg?strip=all&w=724)
Dozens of other US politicians and global figures are expected to show up - making security at the funeral of paramount importance. Will said: "In the wake of the two specific incidents that took place on New Year's Day it does not come as a huge surprise to the security community.
![[Shamsud-Din Jabbar proclaimed his support for ISIS months before the deadly New Year's Day rampage in New Orleans]](https://www.the-sun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/image_3a72bb.jpeg?strip=all&w=277)
