The attack in New Orleans has put a new spotlight on ISIS, the terror group once thought to be eliminated. The group’s messaging has spread online, and it’s becoming more difficult to detect.

Officials in other cities prepping for major events are pledging increased security.

“As our nation struggles to maintain a sense of safety in light of the recent mass killings and acts of terrorism, the eyes of the world will be on the United States Capitol,” U.S. Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger said ahead of the upcoming presidential certification, funeral for former President Jimmy Carter and presidential inauguration.

The New Orleans terror attack is another example of the terror landscape changing. New video shows suspect Shamsud-din Jabbar loading his truck before using it to ram into pedestrians on Bourbon Street.

Law enforcement says an ISIS flag was found with the truck, and experts say they believe he could have self-radicalized online.

Luke Baumgartner, an extremism researcher at George Washington University, says a variety of factors, including data privacy, make it much harder to combat terrorism messaging online.

“What they’ve done is really utilized the online platforms to spread their message … you cannot strike a digital caliphate with a JDAM, you can’t strike it with a missile or rocket,” he said.

While the physical presence of ISIS has diminished recently, it’s clear the terror group’s influence is still spreading. International law enforcement in August foiled a high-profile plot aimed at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna, Austria.

The would-be attacker “began to immerse himself in a virtual world of violent videos and secret chatrooms devoted to the Islamic State,” according to the Washington Post.

Some corners of the dark web serve as “one-stop shops” for would-be attackers.

“They act as a conduit for others to share information, to share how to guides, tactics in bombmaking, surveillance, attacks, targets, and everything along those lines,” Baumgartner said.

Jabbar’s former US Army commanding officer posted in disbelief on X following the New Orleans attack — citing Jabbar’s professionalism while in the army.

He commented, “This transformation is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked anger, isolation, and hate,” before encouraging people to take care of each other before it’s too late.

Have a news tip? Contact Matt Galka at mjgalka@sbgtv.com.