NEW ORLEANS — The individual responsible for driving a pickup truck into a crowd during New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans was discovered to possess potential bomb-making materials at his residence, along with having reserved the vehicle more than six weeks prior to the incident, according to law enforcement sources.
In a search of Shamsud-Din Jabbar’s home in Houston, authorities found a workbench located in the garage and various hazardous substances that were believed to be used in the construction of explosive devices. The officials, who wished to remain anonymous due to the ongoing investigation, provided this information to media outlets.
The FBI’s inquiry also uncovered that Jabbar had made a purchase of a cooler shortly before the deadly attack in Vidor, Texas, in addition to acquiring gun oil from a retail establishment in Sulphur, Louisiana. Remarkably, records confirmed that he arranged for the rental of the pickup truck on November 14, indicating a possible premeditation that stretched for several weeks prior to the tragic outcome.
The assault that occurred on Wednesday resulted in 14 fatalities and approximately 30 injuries, with Jabbar, a former Army veteran, broadcasting videos on social media just hours before the attack. In these videos, he expressed his support for the Islamic State militant organization and hinted at the violence he intended to execute. Official autopsy reports classified the cause of death for all victims as “blunt force injuries.”
During a confrontation at the crash site on Bourbon Street, a well-known venue in New Orleans’ French Quarter, Jabbar was shot and killed by police. Authorities reported finding crude bomb devices planted in the area, indicating an intent to inflict further harm. Two improvised explosive devices, located in coolers distanced apart, were successfully neutralized on site, while other devices were deemed non-activated.
The FBI indicated that a transmitter meant to detonate the two bombs was retrieved from Jabbar’s rental vehicle. Bomb-making materials were also located in the New Orleans property rented by Jabbar prior to the attack. Investigators reported that he had attempted to set this property ablaze by igniting a small fire within the hallway and applying accelerants to aid in spreading the flames, though the fire extinguished before firefighters could arrive.
Authorities continued to probe Jabbar’s motivations and the execution of his assault. Witnesses noted that he exited the crashed vehicle clad in body armor and a helmet, opening fire on police officers and injuring at least two before being killed in the exchange.
The New Orleans Police Department remained tight-lipped regarding specifics of the gunfire exchanged between Jabbar and law enforcement, stating that ongoing investigations precluded them from revealing how many shots were fired or whether any bystanders were hit.
Stella Cziment, leading the Office of the Independent Police Monitor, stated that investigators aim to account for every round discharged during the incident and determine if any of those rounds impacted civilians.
As the solemn aftermath unfolded on Bourbon Street, locals and visitors took a moment to honor the lives lost. A growing memorial appeared, adorned with flowers, candles, and heartfelt prayers, as the sound of drums echoed through the streets. One visitor shared their dismay over the violent disruption of New Orleans’ reputation for celebration and joy.
Reports indicated that 13 victims remained hospitalized, with eight individuals in critical condition at the University Medical Center in New Orleans.
In response to the tragic incident, President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit New Orleans next week to express condolences and support to the families and communities affected by the attack.
The police department implemented enhanced security measures around Bourbon and Canal streets, deploying multiple vehicles and barricades to manage the surge of pedestrians in the area. Officials confirmed additional law enforcement support to maintain safety.
As the city’s Carnival season approaches, alongside the Super Bowl on February 9, law enforcement emphasized that heightened security protocols would not be limited to special events but would continue as a daily operation.
To mitigate risks in the French Quarter, the city had previously installed retractable steel bollards to control vehicle access to Bourbon Street. However, their functionality had been compromised due to debris from celebratory activities, prompting their removal ahead of upcoming major events.
In light of the attack, the New Orleans City Council President has initiated steps to launch an investigation into the incident. She intends to create a legislative committee that will focus on reviewing current safety policies, enhancing security efforts, and preparing for future threats.
The FBI determined that Jabbar acted alone, even as the attack resulted in devastating losses, including the lives of a promising young nurse, a single mother, a devoted father, and a former collegiate athlete. The New Orleans coroner’s office has identified 13 of the 14 victims, noting that their ages ranged from 18 to 63, predominantly in their 20s, while one victim was a British citizen whose identity has been withheld upon family request.
This incident marks a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by international terrorism, signaling a troubling resurgence.
