A horrific terrorist attack occurred on New Orleans’ iconic Bourbon Street in the early hours of New Year’s Day, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people and injuring dozens more. The attacker, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, intentionally drove a rented electric Ford pickup truck into a crowd of revelers, avoiding police barricades and opening fire on officers before being fatally shot.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has confirmed that the attack is being investigated as an act of terrorism, with a black ISIS flag found flying from the truck’s rear bumper. According to FBI special agent Alethea Duncan, investigators believe Jabbar may have had help carrying out the attack and are looking into potential affiliations with terrorist associations.
As the investigation continues, authorities have been searching for clues at an Airbnb in the St. Roch area of New Orleans, where Jabbar was staying while in the city. The building caught fire on Wednesday, and the investigation into that fire is ongoing. Investigators from the FBI, Homeland Security, and bomb squad have all been on the scene.
Duncan has asked that anyone with information about Jabbar contact the FBI. A U.S. official has confirmed that Jabbar had previously served in the U.S. military.
The attack occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m. local time, with witnesses describing the scene as chaotic and horrific. Two police officers were injured during the exchange of gunfire with Jabbar, but are reported to be in stable condition.
In addition to the fatalities and injuries, law enforcement officials discovered multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the vehicle and nearby areas. One IED was detonated by law enforcement, while others were safely disposed of.
President Biden addressed the nation, stating that his “heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday”.
The attack impacted the city’s tourism industry, which had not yet fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. Many hotels in the area were evacuated, and hospitality and service workers reporting for work later that morning were turned away from the area.
The 2025 Sugar Bowl, which was scheduled to take place at the Caesars Superdome later that day, was postponed to the following day due to ongoing security sweeps.
The FBI is leading the investigation and has opened a tip line.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Department of Homeland Security, and prosecutors for the National Security Division and the local federal prosecutor’s office are assisting in the investigation.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The city of New Orleans remains in shock, with residents and visitors alike mourning the loss of life and condemning the senseless act of terrorism.
