The suspect in the New Orleans attack was identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran from Texas. He was in the Army for a decade as a human resources and information technology specialist, deploying to Afghanistan in 2009. After his honorable discharge, Jabbar hit hard times and endured several marriages. He had two daughters, who were 20 and 15 at the time of the attack. Jabbar had converted to Islam in recent years and started to behave more erratically, acquaintances said.
Details of the New Orleans Attack
On Jan. 1, 2025, as New Year’s celebrations took place, Jabbar drove a rented pickup truck through a crowd on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The attack left 15 dead and at least 35 others injured. Jabbar then got out of the car and began shooting at responding officers, who fatally shot him. A truck was found on the scene with an ISIS flag, and investigators found firearms and improvised explosive devices at the site.
Investigation and Possible Motives
The FBI has deemed the incident a terrorist attack because Jabbar discussed the Islamic State group in videos he recorded and posted online before the attack. Authorities are also trying to determine if Jabbar acted alone or whether he had accomplices, particularly in light of the discovery of other explosive devices in the French Quarter. Surveillance footage reportedly showed multiple people setting up one of these devices, casting suspicion on possible collusion.
Impact on New Orleans and National Response
The attack sent shockwaves through the French Quarter, forcing the postponement of a Sugar Bowl football game and leading to increased security measures. President Joe Biden called the attack a “despicable act” and offered condolences to the victims and their families. The event has sparked fears of domestic terrorism and the impact of extremist movements in the U.S.
