The joyous start to the New Year in New Orleans turned tragic early Wednesday morning when a deadly vehicle attack on Bourbon Street left 15 people dead and over 30 injured. The FBI has confirmed it is investigating the attack as an act of terrorism. The attacker, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was killed in a shootout with police.
Here’s what we know so far about the New Orleans truck attack, the suspect, and its devastating aftermath.
What Happened in New Orleans?
Around 3:15 a.m. on New Year’s Day, a rented Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck, using the Turo app, barreled into a crowd on Bourbon Street, in the heart of the French Quarter. Revelers had gathered to ring in the New Year and prepare for the Sugar Bowl football game later that day.
The truck bypassed police barricades and deliberately drove into pedestrians, creating scenes of chaos and destruction. After stopping, the suspect exited the vehicle and began shooting at responding officers, injuring two before being fatally shot.
Adding to the terror, multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were discovered in the area. Surveillance footage revealed three men and a woman planting the devices prior to the attack, indicating the suspect may not have acted alone.
Who Is Shamsud-Din Jabbar?
Authorities identified the attacker as Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, a 42-year-old Army veteran from Texas. Jabbar, a U.S. citizen, served in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010, working in IT and human resources. He transitioned to the Army Reserve in 2015 before leaving military service in 2020.
In recent years, Jabbar faced significant personal and financial struggles, including foreclosure and mounting debt. Investigators believe he became radicalized in recent years, with an ISIS flag discovered attached to his truck.
The FBI is investigating Jabbar’s potential connections to terrorist organizations and whether the attack was coordinated with others.
Investigation Highlights
Federal and local authorities have uncovered several critical details in the ongoing investigation:
- Weapons and Explosives: Jabbar’s truck contained firearms and pipe bombs wired for remote detonation.
- Accomplices: Video evidence points to accomplices involved in placing IEDs in the French Quarter before the attack.
- Ideological Motivation: The ISIS flag and Jabbar’s suspected radicalization are central to the investigation.
The FBI has urged the public to share any relevant information or footage to aid the investigation.
A Growing Trend: Vehicle Attacks as Terror Weapons
The New Orleans attack is part of a troubling global pattern of using vehicles as weapons in acts of mass violence, as the methods seemingly very similar to that of the Magdeburg Christmas Market attack in Germany. These attacks are often difficult to predict and can cause widespread destruction in crowded areas, prompting calls for enhanced pedestrian protections.
The Aftermath and Its Impact
Bourbon Street, a historic and bustling hub of nightlife in New Orleans, was transformed into a grim crime scene. The attack disrupted New Year’s celebrations and led to the postponement of the Sugar Bowl, which was scheduled for later that day at the nearby Superdome.
City officials have faced scrutiny over incomplete security measures in the area. An ongoing project to install removable bollards to prevent vehicle attacks was still underway, leaving certain vulnerable areas unprotected.
The victims of the attack included local residents and tourists, as well as a University of Georgia student who remains critically injured. Two Israeli nationals were among those hurt.
In the aftermath, vigils and memorials have been organized across New Orleans to honor those lost and support the survivors.
Response from Officials
Local and federal leaders have condemned the attack. President Joe Biden and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry expressed their condolences and pledged justice for the victims. The FBI continues to lead the investigation, with support from state and local law enforcement agencies.
The New Orleans terror attack has left a deep scar on the city, a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by extremism. As investigators piece together the events and motivations behind this horrific act, the people of New Orleans are uniting in grief and resilience, determined to recover from the tragedy.
