In a horrifying act of violence, a man intentionally drove a pickup truck into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter early on New Year’s Day. The attack, which killed at least 15 people and injured dozens, is being investigated as an act of terrorism by the FBI.
The driver, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a
U.S. citizen from Texas, reportedly carried out the attack while flying a black
ISIS flag from the truck’s rear bumper.
In televised remarks Wednesday evening, President Biden said
the FBI has determined that just hours before the attack, Jabbar "posted
videos to social media indicating that he was inspired by ISIS, expressing a
desire to kill."
Jabbar rented the electric Ford pickup truck in Houston, Texas, on December 30, and drove it to New Orleans. Early on January 1, he bypassed barricades set up on Bourbon Street, driving onto the crowded sidewalks, and attempted to run over as many people as possible, according to New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick. After crashing, Jabbar exited the vehicle and opened fire on responding officers before being fatally shot at the scene.
Two police officers were injured in the exchange but are in
stable condition.
Authorities recovered a long gun with a suppressor and body armor from Jabbar. In addition to firearms, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were discovered in the truck and nearby. One device in the French Quarter was safely detonated by law enforcement. Officials suspect Jabbar may have had accomplices and are investigating potential collaborators.
The FBI is leading the investigation, working alongside Homeland Security, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and local law enforcement. FBI Special Agent Alethea Duncan stated that investigators are examining Jabbar’s connections to any terror groups and are reviewing surveillance footage for evidence of accomplices.
Jabbar’s temporary residence, an Airbnb in the St. Roch
neighborhood of New Orleans, caught fire on Wednesday, adding another layer to
the ongoing investigation.
Officials respond to
"horrific act of violence"
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry condemned the attack as “a horrific act of violence” and urged the public to avoid the area while investigations continue. New Orleans Coroner Dr. Dwight McKenna stated that it would take several days to identify the victims and inform their families.
President Biden said in a statement he has directed his
administration to "ensure every resource is available as federal, state,
and local law enforcement work assiduously to get to the bottom of what
happened as quickly as possible and to ensure that there is no remaining threat
of any kind."
"My heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday," Biden said. "There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation's communities."
President-elect Donald Trump also acknowledged the attack in
a post on TruthSocial.
"Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and
their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police
Department," Trump said, in part.
Ongoing Investigation
As investigators piece together the events leading to the attack, authorities are committed to uncovering the full scope of Jabbar’s plans and any potential ties to terror organizations. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of vigilance and unity in the face of such acts of violence.
The Bourbon Street attack has left a deep scar on the city
and the nation, but leaders have pledged to honor the victims and strengthen
efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future.
