A U.S. Army veteran, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar from Texas, drove a pickup truck displaying an Islamic State flag into a crowd during New Orleans’ New Year celebration, resulting in the deaths of 15 people and injuring many others. The attack occurred as he bypassed a police blockade, and he was ultimately shot dead by authorities. The FBI is investigating the incident as a terrorist act, believing Jabbar acted with assistance. Authorities discovered firearms and an improvised explosive device in his vehicle and other devices in the French Quarter.
President Biden reported that the FBI found social media videos in which Jabbar expressed his inspiration from ISIS and his intent to kill. Eyewitnesses described the horrific scene, noting the chaos and panic as people sought safety in nearby establishments. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick condemned the attack as evil, emphasizing that Jabbar intentionally evaded safety measures meant to protect pedestrians. The incident caused the postponement of a college football playoff game at the nearby Superdome.
FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan stated at a news conference that they do not believe Shamsud-Din Jabbar acted alone in the New Orleans attack. Investigators discovered multiple improvised explosives, including two pipe bombs hidden in coolers and configured for remote detonation, according to a Louisiana State Police report.
The report mentioned surveillance footage showing three men and a woman placing one of the devices; however, federal officials have not confirmed this information, leaving their identities and any potential connection to the attack unclear. Jabbar circumvented a police vehicle blocking traffic by driving a rented pickup truck onto a sidewalk. A vehicle barrier system intended to prevent such attacks was under repair ahead of the Super Bowl. After Jabbar exited the truck and opened fire on the police, he was shot and killed by responding officers, two of whom were wounded but are in stable condition.
Investigators found a handgun and an AR-style rifle in the aftermath of the attack involving Shamsud-Din Jabbar, according to an anonymous law enforcement official. Additionally, there were deadly explosions in Honolulu and outside a Las Vegas hotel owned by President-elect Donald Trump. President Biden mentioned that the FBI is exploring a possible connection between the Las Vegas explosion and the New Orleans incident but had no updates as of Wednesday evening.
A photo shared among law enforcement shows Jabbar, dressed in camouflage, alongside the truck after he was killed. The intelligence report indicated that he was wearing a ballistic vest and helmet, with an Islamic State flag displayed on the truck’s trailer hitch. U.S. Senator John Kennedy, a Republican from Louisiana, described the attack as a manifestation of “objective evil,” expressing disbelief that it wouldn’t disturb every fair-minded American.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar enlisted in the Army in 2007, serving in human resources and IT, and was deployed to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010. He transitioned to the Army Reserve in 2015 and was discharged in 2020 with the rank of staff sergeant.
Following his attack, police cordoned off the area at Bourbon and Canal streets, leading to a scene of chaos with tourists trying to navigate police blockades. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry advised people to avoid the area, which remained an active crime scene. Tessa Cundiff, a resident of the French Quarter, expressed her sorrow at the unsettling atmosphere, contrasting it with the city’s vibrant reputation.
While parts of New Orleans carried on with daily life, as patrons gathered in cafes and bars, President Biden condemned the attack as a “despicable” act, offering condolences to the victims and their families. He emphasized that there is no justification for violence and that attacks on communities will not be tolerated.
This incident marks a significant example of using vehicles as weapons, being the deadliest attack inspired by the Islamic State on U.S. soil in years. The FBI has increased alerts for potential international terrorism threats, citing disruptions of previous plots, including an arrest related to an Election Day attack.