NEW ORLEANS — A devastating incident occurred on New Year’s Day in New Orleans, where a U.S. Army veteran, driving a pickup truck emblazoned with the flag of the Islamic State, caused significant destruction. The driver maneuvered around a police barrier and crashed into crowds celebrating the holiday, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals. He was subsequently shot and killed by police officers after he opened fire on them.
The FBI has initiated an investigation into this incident, classifying it as a terrorist attack and suspecting that the driver may not have acted independently. Authorities discovered firearms and what seemed to be an improvised explosive device inside the truck, alongside additional devices located throughout the city’s iconic French Quarter. Moreover, President Joe Biden stated that the FBI had retrieved social media videos recorded by the driver just hours before the attack, in which he expressed admiration for the Islamic State and a wish to kill.
Witnesses described the horrifying scene, with one observer noting how the truck surged through the crowds, tossing people as if they were in a movie. “Bodies sprawled across the street, with people screaming in terror,” recounted an 18-year-old witness who lost a friend in the attack.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick condemned the incident as not merely a terrorist attack but an act of pure evil, emphasizing that the driver was intent on wreaking havoc despite existing safety protocols designed to protect pedestrians. The perpetrator was identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Texas resident. The FBI is now looking into the possibility of links between Jabbar and known terrorist groups, stressing that they do not believe he was the sole perpetrator in this act.
Reports indicate that investigators found multiple homemade explosives, including two pipe bombs hidden in coolers, which were reportedly prepared for remote detonation. Surveillance footage allegedly captured three men and a woman involved in placing one of these devices, but federal authorities have yet to confirm their identities or connections to the attack.
In the course of the attack, Jabbar bypassed a police blockade and drove onto a sidewalk, ultimately crashing into pedestrians. It was noted that a protective barrier meant to secure the area was undergoing repairs in anticipation of an upcoming Super Bowl event. Jabbar met his end when he exited the vehicle and engaged in gunfire with law enforcement officers, two of whom were shot but are now reported to be in stable condition.
Additionally, there were other explosions reported in Honolulu and near a Las Vegas hotel owned by Donald Trump. The FBI is investigating whether these incidents are linked to the New Orleans attack.
After the incident, law enforcement circulated an image of Jabbar, revealing him in camouflage gear beside the truck. His attire included a ballistic vest and a helmet, with the Islamic State flag affixed to the trailer hitch of the vehicle. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy remarked on the tragedy, asserting that the events reflect an objective form of evil.
Jabbar had joined the Army in 2007, serving in human resources and information technology and was deployed to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010. He transitioned to the Army Reserve in 2015 and exited the service in 2020 with the rank of staff sergeant.
In the aftermath of the attack, emergency vans filled the streets near Bourbon and Canal, and the area was shut down with police tape, creating an air of shock among tourists who attempted to navigate through the chaos. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry advised the public to steer clear of the area as it remained an active crime scene.
Residents expressed their sorrow over the events, emphasizing how the normalcy of their city was shattered. Despite the tragedy, parts of the city continued as usual, with cafes and bars remaining open, a stark contrast to the grim scene just blocks away.
President Biden condemned the attack as a vile act, extending his condolences to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday season. He reiterated the unacceptability of violence and the nation’s commitment to protecting its communities against such threats. The incident represents a stark reminder of the dangers posed by vehicles employed as weapons in violent attacks, marking one of the deadliest assaults linked to IS on U.S. soil in recent years.
FBI officials have previously noted a heightened level of international terrorism threats amid ongoing global conflicts. In recent months, the agency has successfully intervened in potential attacks, illustrating the persistent risks that communities face.
