An individual associated with the Islamic State group has been arrested in Iraq, suspected of playing a part in orchestrating a devastating truck attack in New Orleans. This tragic incident, which took place during New Year’s celebrations in 2025, claimed the lives of more than a dozen people, according to Iraqi authorities. Iraqi officials stated they’ve been cooperating with requests from the United States to assist in the ongoing investigation.
The surprising act of violence unfolded in the pre-dawn early hours of New Year’s Day within New Orleans’ bustling French Quarter. A pickup truck reportedly bearing the Islamic State group’s flag was driven at high speed down Bourbon Street by a U.S. Army veteran. This assault began with the truck hitting and injuring people on the vibrant street. Authorities identified the driver as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen hailing from Texas. An inquiry is currently underway to discover any potential connections Jabbar may have had with terrorist networks.
During the attack, Jabbar maneuvered his truck onto the sidewalk, bypassing a police blockade, and crashing into construction equipment. Following the vehicle’s crash, he opened fire on both police personnel and civilians gathered on Bourbon Street, resulting in officers fatally shooting him. In the aftermath, investigators found weapons, an apparent improvised explosive device, and several other suspicious devices within the French Quarter.
Iraqi officials revealed that their Al-Karkh Investigative Court identified and detained a suspect linked to the Islamic State’s foreign operations office. The detained individual is described as an Iraqi citizen, though their identity remains undisclosed. Authorities confirmed that the suspect would face trial under Iraq’s anti-terrorism legislation. Furthermore, Iraq has reiterated its commitment to collaborating internationally to combat terrorist activities.
The FBI has released a statement confirming that the investigation into the New Year’s attack is ongoing. Although they continue to work with local and international law enforcement partners, initial findings suggest that Shamsud-Din Jabbar carried out the Bourbon Street attack independently. The agency has encouraged anyone with pertinent information to come forward.
Despite suffering significant defeats in Iraq in 2017 and later in Syria, Islamic State sleeper cells are believed to still perpetrate attacks across these regions and beyond. Historically, the group attracted a large following, drawing in thousands globally, including fighters and supporters to Syria and Iraq. Its reign of terror, which peaked across territories the size of a small country, was marked by extreme brutality, including the beheading of civilians and the massacre of soldiers. Additionally, many women from Iraq’s Yazidi community were subjected to violence at the hands of the group.