The FBI has identified Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas, as the man behind the deadly New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans.
Jabbar’s actions, which claimed 15 lives and left more than 30 injured, are being investigated as an act of terrorism with alleged ties to ISIS.
The attack occurred in the early hours of January 1, during the height of New Year’s celebrations. Jabbar drove a rented pickup truck into a dense crowd on Bourbon Street, bringing chaos and devastation to an area known for its vibrant festivities.
After the truck came to a stop, Jabbar exited the vehicle and began firing at responding police officers. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, Jabbar was killed. Two officers were wounded during the confrontation but are reported to be in stable condition.
Investigators discovered an ISIS flag inside the vehicle, along with weapons and improvised explosive devices. FBI agents, working with local and federal bomb technicians, are determining the functionality of the explosives.
Assistant Special Agent Alethea Duncan stated that the attack does not appear to have been carried out solely by Jabbar, and efforts are ongoing to track down any potential accomplices or associates.
President Joe Biden addressed the nation following the attack, expressing outrage at the events and praising the swift response of law enforcement.
He confirmed that Jabbar had posted videos online mere hours before the incident, indicating his inspiration from ISIS and a desire to kill. Biden also revealed that Jabbar had previously served in the U.S. Army and later in the Army Reserve, adding a troubling layer to the unfolding investigation.
As New Orleans reels from the tragedy, officials are working to piece together Jabbar’s motivations and connections.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell described the rampage as a deliberate act of terror, while Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick characterized Jabbar’s actions as a calculated attempt to cause maximum harm.
In a parallel development, a separate incident involving a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas has raised questions about potential links. While authorities have yet to connect the two events, investigations into both incidents are ongoing.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana native, called the New Orleans attack an act of “pure evil” and urged for justice to be served swiftly. The attack has left families grieving, a community shaken, and a nation once again grappling with the threat of terrorism on home soil.