NEW ORLEANS — In a tragic incident on New Year’s Day, a pickup truck drove into a crowd on Bourbon Street, claiming at least 15 lives, as federal investigators treat the event as a potential act of terrorism. Following the collision, the driver exited the vehicle and opened fire at police officers who responded to the scene, according to local law enforcement reports.
President Joe Biden announced that federal agents are looking into possible connections between this attack in New Orleans and an earlier explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck outside Donald Trump’s hotel in Las Vegas. While details remain scarce, Biden indicated that the information is still being assessed.
Authorities revealed that the attacker had shown signs of being influenced by terrorist organizations, specifically the Islamic State. He reportedly posted videos online expressing a desire to kill, raising alarms about his motives. The investigation is ongoing, and Biden conveyed his condolences to the victims’ families, stating, “Our nation grieves with you.”
As a safety precaution, the Sugar Bowl—a college football playoff game set to feature Georgia and Notre Dame—has been postponed to Thursday afternoon, moving it from its originally planned slot on Wednesday evening due to the tragic event in the French Quarter.
Further insights into the attacker’s background emerged from divorce records revealing financial difficulties. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the man identified as the driver, was deeply behind on mortgage payments and had multiple businesses that were failing. His divorce was finalized in late 2024.
The New Orleans coroner confirmed that the death toll rose to 15 victims, following earlier reports of ten fatalities. The coroner, Dr. Dwight McKenna, stated that the identification process for the victims would take several days.
An increase in terrorism-related threats had previously been noted by the FBI, especially in light of heightened tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. This incident, if confirmed to be linked to terrorist ideology, would mark a significant tragedy on U.S. soil since several years.
In an alarming development, law enforcement reported that Jabbar had served in the U.S. Army prior to the attack, although specifics regarding any subsequent military affiliation remain unclear. A 37-year-old father from Baton Rouge, Reggie Hunter, was among the deceased, having been out celebrating the New Year with family when the attack occurred.
Scenes of despair emerged as friends recounted the moments surrounding the attack. An 18-year-old friend of a victim described the chaos, witnessing his companion being struck by the vehicle. This echoes the somber sentiments shared by friends and families of those lost that night.
Law enforcement also cordoned off an area associated with Jabbar’s recent residence while continuing to seek additional suspects, emphasizing that the investigation remains active. In a troubling update, information surfaced indicating that the pickup used in the incident had been rented through the Turo app, prompting the company to collaborate with federal investigators.
Surveillance footage has come to light, revealing three men and a woman laying down an improvised explosive device shortly before the attack. This situation has prompted authorities to pursue leads for any accomplices, sparking concern over ongoing security threats in the region.
Finally, officials have reassured the public that despite the current investigation into the attack, New Orleans is still safe for residents and tourists alike. Much effort is focused on identifying more people involved, and a media briefing is expected to provide further updates as the people of New Orleans cope with the aftermath of the devastating incident.
