The suspect in the New Orleans truck crash that killed 14 people on New Year’s Eve used meta-smart glasses to observe and plan his crime. This is reported by the FBI.
The main suspect, Shamsood Deen Jabbar, who was shot and killed by police after a tragic incident in the French Quarter of New Orleans, visited New Orleans twice in October and November 2024. During those visits, he used his meta-smart glasses to film the area, and according to FBI Special Agent Lionel Myrtle, in October, Jabbar recorded a video of the suspect riding a bicycle through the streets of the French Quarter, apparently studying escape routes. The video shows the suspect carefully examining himself in front of a mirror and testing the performance of his Meta glasses. Glasses made in collaboration with Ray-Ban can inconspicuously record photos and videos without using a speakerphone; according to the FBI, Jabbar was also wearing glasses during the Bourbon Street attack, but did not activate the recording function. Meta’s smart glasses feature LED privacy indicators that let people know they’re being recorded. According to Meta, this indicator cannot be turned off. The company is also working on augmented reality (AR) glasses.
Launched in 2023, Ray-Ban’s Meta glasses allow users to shoot videos, take photos, and even stream images in real time. Control of the device is carried out using voice or buttons. Meta is positioning the product as smart glasses that allow users to easily create content without using a smartphone. This is not the first case of using smart gadgets for criminal purposes. It was previously reported that similar devices were used for surveillance and information gathering during planned attacks. This incident could lead to tighter regulation of smart devices with recording and streaming capabilities.
38 
40 
44 