New Orleans, LA — In the early hours of New Year’s Day, a devastating incident unfolded on Bourbon Street when a man drove a pickup truck into a crowd of people, leaving at least 15 dead and over 35 injured, authorities reported. The FBI has identified the assailant as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran and Texas native, who was killed during a confrontation with police after the attack.
According to the FBI, Jabbar was found carrying an ISIS flag inside the vehicle used in the attack, which he rented specifically for this purpose. This detail was confirmed during a news conference held Wednesday afternoon, wherein officials also noted a disturbing video posted by Jabbar on social media hours before the attack, indicating his ISIS-inspired motives.
FBI officials are currently investigating the attack as a potential act of terrorism and are exploring whether Jabbar acted alone or had accomplices. During the press event, Alethea Duncan, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s New Orleans field office, emphasized the ongoing efforts to identify any associates or connections to terrorist organizations that Jabbar might have had.
In response to this tragic event, President Joe Biden conveyed his condolences and support to the people of New Orleans, stating the nation shares their grief. He urged the public and media to refrain from jumping to conclusions as the investigation unfolds.
The severity of the incident was compounded by the discovery of several potential explosive devices found in the French Quarter. Louisiana State Police revealed that guns and pipe bombs were hidden within coolers, all orchestrated for remote detonation, which were neutralized by authorities.
NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the attack as a deliberate act aimed at inflicting maximum harm. New Orleans City Councilmember Helena Moreno highlighted a critical lapse that facilitated the tragedy; movable bollards designed to block vehicle access to Bourbon Street were down for repairs at the time.
Victim identification is still ongoing, with many believed to be local residents, although some, including an 18-year-old from Mississippi and a former Princeton University athlete, have been confirmed. Two police officers responding to the incident were hospitalized in stable condition.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry have both issued statements calling for prayers and support for the victims and their families. In a sign of the attack’s significant impact, the Sugar Bowl football game scheduled to be held in New Orleans was postponed to ensure public safety.
As Bourbon Street remains closed off to the public to facilitate the ongoing investigation, authorities stress the importance of avoiding the area. The community and the nation watch closely as more details are expected to emerge about this heinous act that has shaken the heart of New Orleans.