New Orleans, LA — A tragic event unfolded early Wednesday on Bourbon Street, as a rented pickup truck, driven deliberately through a crowd of New Year’s celebrants, resulted in at least 15 fatalities and approximately 30 injuries, according to city and federal officials. The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas, was killed by police after he opened fire on them with an assault rifle following his vehicular rampage.
Authorities reported that Jabbar maneuvered his vehicle around barriers and sped through the revelers, covering a three-block stretch of the historic street. He also fired shots indiscriminately into the crowd during the attack. The FBI is investigating the possibility of multiple individuals being involved, as evidence suggests Jabbar may not have acted alone.
The quick response from law enforcement ended the attack, but not before two officers were shot and wounded. The ongoing investigation is being treated as an act of terrorism. Notably, along with weapons, an ISIS flag was found in the vehicle, further complicating the motives behind the horrific act.
In response to the ensuing chaos, multiple improvised explosive devices were found near the site and safely neutralized by bomb squads searching for additional threats in the French Quarter area. The high alert has led to a city-wide effort to ensure no further devices are present.
This attack has left the community and its visitors in shock, coming amidst the city’s typically festive holiday season, which draws large crowds for events such as the Sugar Bowl. The college football game was scheduled for Wednesday night but has been rescheduled to Thursday in light of the day’s events.
Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams, emphasizing the severity of the situation, stated that a comprehensive search of the area was immediately initiated to ensure public safety. Questions have been raised about the effectiveness of the security barriers and the readiness of emergency response systems in place.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry described the incident as a horrific act of violence, extending his prayers to the victims and their families. Local hospitals, including the Ochsner Hospital System, reported treating numerous victims, with several being released after receiving care.
While the community reels from the violence, officials are taking steps to fortify security throughout the city. Citywide events and public gatherings remain under strict surveillance and heightened security protocols to prevent any further attacks.
The public has been urged to assist in the investigation by providing any information on Jabbar or any suspicious activities observed in the past 72 hours. The FBI has set up hotlines and online portals to facilitate community cooperation.
As the city of New Orleans mourns, flags have been lowered to half-staff, and Mayor LaToya Cantrell has signed an emergency declaration to mobilize all available resources for recovery and investigation.
The investigation into this calculated and deadly assault continues, with authorities vowing to uncover all elements and associations involved in orchestrating such terror on what should have been a celebratory night.