Federal authorities charge Jordan Derrick, a 40-year-old man from Sweet Springs, Missouri, over allegations that he posted bomb-making videos online that were used by the person who carried out a deadly attack in New Orleans’ French Quarter on New Year’s Day 2025. According to prosecutors, Derrick filmed and shared tutorials on social media showing how to make explosive materials. Authorities say those materials functioned as a blueprint or planning aid for the attacker’s improvised bombs.
U.S. attorneys describe Derrick as a former Army engineer and allege he violated federal explosives laws. The charges include counts related to engaging in the business of manufacturing explosive materials without a license, possessing an unregistered destructive device, and illicitly distributing information connected to manufacturing explosives. The reports also describe the New Orleans attack as occurring in locations including the French Quarter and Bourbon Street, and link the alleged attacker to ISIS-inspired motivations.
The outlets report that federal prosecutors publicly announced the case and listed the specific counts, while Derrick’s alleged conduct centers on online distribution of explosive-making instructions. The charges are allegations and the accused has not been proven guilty.
