NEW ORLEANS— The attack took place early on New Year’s Day around 3:15 a.m. in Bourbon Street, New Orleans. At least 15 people died and over 30 were injured. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Army veteran from Texas, drove a rented Ford F-150 into a crowd and then shot at police officers.
Jabbar reportedly had a history of erratic behavior and had recently divorced. Before the attack, Jabbar posted videos on Facebook supporting ISIS and saying he wanted to kill, claiming he had joined ISIS before summer. Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found in the truck and near the French Quarter, and bomb technicians detonated them safely.
Initially, authorities thought he had accomplices, but they later confirmed he acted alone. Jabbar’s truck contained an ISIS flag, two laptops and several phones.
The FBI called the New Orleans attack a premeditated act of terrorism. They stated that Jabbar drove into a crowd and then fired at police officers by himself. The FBI is digging into any possible connections he may have had with other incidents and has set up a digital tip line for anyone with information.
Multiple law enforcement agencies were on the scene, and a strong police presence was maintained. Bourbon Street reopened with fewer people, and a makeshift memorial with teddy bears, candles and flowers was established.
President Biden expressed condolences and said the investigation is ongoing. The city is now focused on healing and ensuring the safety of its residents and visitors as the community is coming together to support those affected.
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