In a horrific start to the new year, an army veteran described as a “terrorist” plowed a pickup truck into crowds celebrating on New Orleans’ famous Bourbon Street early Wednesday morning, leaving at least 15 dead and dozens more injured. The FBI identified the attacker as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a US citizen from Texas who had served in the military. An Islamic State flag was found in his vehicle, raising fears of a terrorist motive.
Manhunt Underway as FBI Probes Terrorist Links
Officials say Jabbar, a former IT specialist in the army who later worked as a real estate agent in Houston, deliberately drove at high speed into pedestrians in the city’s French Quarter tourist district around 3:15am. He was killed in a shootout with police after exiting the vehicle. Two officers were injured in the gunfight.
The FBI revealed that Jabbar had posted videos online just hours before the attack “indicating that he was inspired by ISIS.” An intense manhunt is now underway for possible accomplices, with FBI agent Alethea Duncan emphasizing that investigators “do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible.”
“We’re hunting some bad people down.”
– Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry
President Biden Condemns “Despicable” Attack
Speaking from the White House, President Joe Biden described the rampage as a “despicable act” and pledged the full resources of the federal government to support the investigation. He revealed that law enforcement is also probing potential connections to the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside President-elect Donald Trump’s Las Vegas hotel later the same day, though cautioned that no direct links have been found so far.
Both vehicles used in the incidents were rented through car-sharing app Turo, a coincidence authorities are still looking into. The company said in a statement that it is fully cooperating with investigators.
City in Shock as Investigation Intensifies
The attack sent shockwaves through the Big Easy, a city world-renowned for its vibrant nightlife and celebrations. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and carnage as the truck tore through the crowded pedestrian mall.
“This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could. He was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did.”
– New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick
Officials say Jabbar drove the Ford F-150 electric pickup “at very high speed” in an “intentional” manner to maximize casualties. Two homemade bombs were also found in the vehicle and safely detonated by the bomb squad.
- At least 15 people killed, dozens more injured
- Suspect identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, army veteran and real estate agent
- ISIS flag found in vehicle, online videos show terrorist inspiration
- Manhunt underway for possible accomplices, FBI conducting raids across multiple states
- Potential link to Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion under investigation
As memorial tributes spring up along the bloodstained stretch of Bourbon Street and families begin to bury their loved ones, the nation is left reeling from yet another senseless act of violence. With the FBI digging into the suspect’s background and conducting a multi-state search for answers, many are asking how this could have happened and whether anything could have been done to prevent it.
While officials have stopped short of definitively labeling this an act of terrorism, the early signs point to a meticulously planned attack meant to inflict maximum damage and loss of life. As New Orleans and the country mourn, the coming days and weeks will be crucial in piecing together what led Jabbar down his murderous path – and whether he had help along the way.
