Bourbon Street Terror Attack Leaves 10 Dead, Dozens Injured
A horrific act of violence disrupted New Year’s Day celebrations in New Orleans’ French Quarter when Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, drove a rented truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street. The attack claimed at least 10 lives and left dozens injured. Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas, was fatally shot by police after exiting the vehicle and opening fire.
Terrorism Investigation Underway
The FBI has classified the incident as an act of terrorism. Special Agent Alethea Duncan confirmed in a press conference that Jabbar’s rented Ford pickup truck displayed a black ISIS flag. Investigators are examining his possible affiliations with terrorist groups, though no organization has claimed responsibility.
“We do not believe Jabbar acted alone,” Duncan stated, emphasizing the ongoing effort to uncover any collaborators.
Deadly Intentions
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the attack as “very intentional behavior,” noting that Jabbar drove through barricades and deliberately targeted pedestrians. After the vehicle stopped, Jabbar exited and began shooting at responding officers, who returned fire, killing him. Two officers sustained injuries but are in stable condition.
Explosive Devices Found
Weapons and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were discovered in Jabbar’s vehicle and other locations in the French Quarter. Two IEDs were rendered safe, and authorities continue to search for additional devices. Investigators are working to determine their viability and potential connections to the attack.
Background of the Suspect
Jabbar’s background reveals a complex history. Born and raised in Beaumont, Texas, he served a decade in the U.S. Army as a human resources and IT specialist. Later, he worked as a business developer and data engineer at Deloitte and had a career in real estate. Despite his professional credentials, Jabbar had a criminal record, including misdemeanor theft and driving without a valid license.
Jabbar’s personal life was marked by turmoil, with two marriages ending in divorce, the most recent in 2022. Investigators are exploring links to a fire at an Airbnb he rented in New Orleans’ La Roch neighborhood as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Witness Accounts of Chaos
Witnesses described a terrifying scene on Bourbon Street. One individual recalled seeing a white truck speeding through the crowd before the driver began shooting. Police responded swiftly, exchanging gunfire with Jabbar.
“He was hellbent on creating carnage,” Kirkpatrick said.
The City of New Orleans reported that 30 people were transported to hospitals, with 35 total injuries confirmed. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to provide aid at the scene.
National Response
The attack drew widespread condemnation. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry called it “a horrific act of violence” and urged residents to avoid the area. President Biden expressed condolences to the victims and their families, stating, “There is no justification for violence of any kind.”
Attorney General Merrick Garland announced that federal agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are leading the investigation. President-elect Donald Trump also addressed the tragedy, offering support to victims and law enforcement.
Sugar Bowl Postponed
In light of the attack, the 2025 Sugar Bowl has been postponed. The highly anticipated college football playoff game between the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs and the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, originally scheduled for January 1, 2025, at Caesars Superdome, will now take place on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
The decision was made after consulting with local and federal authorities to ensure safety. The Superdome, located near the attack site, underwent extensive security sweeps as part of heightened precautions.
Jeff Hundley, CEO of the Sugar Bowl Committee, expressed support for the postponement, stating, “Our thoughts are with the victims and all those affected by this tragic event. The safety of our fans, teams, and community is our top priority.”
Fans are advised to retain their tickets, which will be valid for the rescheduled game. Organizers are working with local hotels and services to accommodate the changes and minimize disruptions for visitors.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are piecing together the events leading up to the attack. Duncan urged anyone with information about Jabbar to contact the FBI. Federal and local law enforcement agencies continue to work diligently to identify potential accomplices and ensure public safety.
The New Year’s Day tragedy has left a lasting scar on New Orleans, underscoring the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism and the resilience of a community determined to recover.
👉 Stay informed with real-time updates and in-depth analysis at NewsLink7.com. Fact-checked news that matters. Follow us 24/7, 365 days. There are no sides, just the truth. Explore more stories and stay ahead with NewsLink7.com.