The horrific attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans during New Year's celebrations, which left 15 dead and dozens injured, is now being investigated as an act of terrorism, according to federal authorities. The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar, plowed a rented pickup truck into a crowded thoroughfare before opening fire on police and civilians. Law enforcement officials stated that Jabbar's actions were inspired by ISIS, based on videos he posted online expressing his intentions.
The attack began early Wednesday morning when Jabbar drove a white Ford F-150 Lightning, displaying an ISIS flag, around a police barricade and into a crowd of revelers. The vehicle rammed through the crowd for three blocks, leaving a trail of carnage, before the suspect exited the vehicle armed with an assault rifle. Jabbar engaged in a gunfight with police before being fatally shot. Two officers sustained injuries during the incident, one by gunfire and the other after being struck by the truck.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the attack as premeditated and intentional, stating that Jabbar was "hell-bent on creating the carnage that he did." The FBI revealed that explosive devices were found in Jabbar's truck and at additional locations in the French Quarter, some of which were rigged for remote detonation. Two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were rendered safe, while others remain under investigation.
Heartbreaking footage coming out as we speak of the New Orleans terrorist attack today as Bourbon Street is filled with cameras.
Praying for the city and its people tonight. pic.twitter.com/Hs6OOhegmO — ukn (@ukn444) January 1, 2025
Federal agents are investigating the possibility of accomplices. Surveillance footage reportedly shows multiple individuals planting devices in the area prior to the attack. FBI Assistant Special Agent Althea Duncan confirmed that authorities are actively pursuing leads on Jabbar's known associates. Investigators do not believe Jabbar acted alone, Duncan stated during a press briefing, urging the public to provide any information related to the suspect.
The attack coincided with another incident in Las Vegas involving the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel. Authorities are probing potential connections between the two events, as both vehicles were rented through the Turo app. A Turo spokesperson stated, "We are heartbroken by the violence perpetrated in New Orleans and Las Vegas and are cooperating fully with law enforcement."
President Joe Biden condemned the attack, expressing condolences to the victims' families and offering federal resources to assist in the investigation. "There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on our nation's communities," Biden said. He also acknowledged that the suspect's online activity, including videos referencing ISIS, was under review by federal agencies.
Jabbar, a Texas native and former Army staff sergeant, served as a human resources and IT specialist during his military career, which included a deployment to Afghanistan. However, his post-military life was marked by personal turmoil, including two divorces and increasingly erratic behavior. Deloitte, Jabbar's employer since 2021, confirmed his affiliation but expressed shock and condemnation over his actions.
The New Orleans attack has reignited concerns about the use of vehicle ramming and lone-wolf tactics by extremist actors. Attorney General Merrick Garland confirmed that the Justice Department and FBI are deploying all available resources to address the threat. "The country woke up this morning to news of a terrible tragedy," Garland said. "My heart is broken for those who began their year by learning people they love were killed in this horrific attack."
Security lapses have also come under scrutiny. Kirkpatrick acknowledged that security bollards were non-functional at the time due to ongoing replacements for the upcoming Super Bowl. This allowed Jabbar to bypass barricades by driving onto the sidewalk. The Sugar Bowl, scheduled for Wednesday night, was postponed as law enforcement secured the French Quarter.
The victims of the attack included individuals from across the region who had come to New Orleans to celebrate the New Year. Coroner Dr. Dwight McKenna stated that autopsies are ongoing, with identities to be released after notifying families. Local and federal authorities are conducting a grid search to ensure no additional explosive devices remain in the area.
