In a shocking act of violence, a US Army veteran with alleged links to the Islamic State plowed a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year’s Eve revelers in New Orleans, leaving 15 people dead and dozens injured, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The FBI has identified the suspect as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a Texas native and former military IT specialist who previously worked as a real estate agent in Houston. Authorities have described the incident as a terror attack, with Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick labeling Jabbar a “terrorist.”
An ISIS flag was reportedly found inside the suspect’s vehicle, according to the FBI. “This individual was hellbent on causing as much carnage as possible,” Kirkpatrick stated during a press conference.
President Joe Biden condemned the attack, calling it “despicable,” and revealed that Jabbar had posted videos online shortly before the incident, expressing allegiance to ISIS. Biden also noted that federal investigators were probing potential connections between the New Orleans attack and a separate explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck in Las Vegas later that day, though no direct links have been established.
The Las Vegas explosion, which occurred outside a hotel owned by President-elect Donald Trump, resulted in one fatality. Both vehicles involved in the incidents were rented through Turo, a car-sharing app. A Turo spokesperson confirmed cooperation with law enforcement and stated that neither suspect had a prior criminal record indicating a security threat.
The New Orleans attack unfolded around 3:15 a.m. near the bustling Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, a hub of nightlife and festivities. Witnesses described a chaotic and gruesome scene as Jabbar drove a white Ford F-150 electric pickup truck at high speed into a group of pedestrians before being fatally shot in an exchange with police. Two officers were injured during the confrontation.
Authorities discovered and neutralized two homemade explosive devices found in Jabbar’s vehicle. FBI agent Alethea Duncan emphasized that investigators are pursuing leads to determine if Jabbar acted alone or with accomplices. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry remarked, “We’re hunting some bad people down.”
Jabbar’s military records reveal he served in the US Army from 2007 to 2015 and later in the Army Reserve until 2020. He deployed to Afghanistan between 2009 and 2010.
The tragedy has shaken New Orleans, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and tourism. Witnesses recounted the horror that unfolded. “It was like a war zone,” said bystander Zion Parsons. “There were bodies and blood everywhere.”
The attack occurred just hours before New Orleans was set to host the Sugar Bowl, a major college football game. The event has been postponed to Thursday. Meanwhile, the city is gearing up to host the Super Bowl next month, raising concerns about heightened security risks.
Federal authorities continue their investigation, focusing on potential ties to terrorist networks and the possibility of additional threats.
