Tragedy struck in New Orleans, Louisiana, as 15 individuals lost their lives and more than 35 were injured when a man, reportedly motivated by extremist ideologies, drove into a crowd in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
Authorities are piecing together the events surrounding the incident and the identity of the assailant.
Details of the Attack
At approximately 3:15 AM local time, a Ford pickup truck surged into a crowd gathered on Bourbon Street, a central location in New Orleans’ famous French Quarter. Surveillance footage revealed the vehicle intentionally veering onto the sidewalk to bypass a police car before barreling into pedestrians.
Authorities have described the act as highly intentional, stating that the attacker, named Shamsud-Din Jabbar, appeared determined to maximize chaos and destruction. New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick emphasized the severity of the attack, indicating that Jabbar aimed to injure as many people as possible.
Furthermore, Jabbar was armed and engaged law enforcement, injuring two officers before being fatally shot by police.
Witnesses recounted the harrowing experience, with one individual describing the scene as they exited a bar, walking past numerous injured and deceased individuals.
Profile of the Attacker
The FBI has identified the assailant as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a Texas resident and Army veteran. A flag associated with extremist groups was discovered in his vehicle, leading investigators to explore possible connections to terrorist organizations.
Additionally, suspected explosive devices were located near the attack site.
Authorities recovered a firearm equipped with a silencer, intensifying concerns about Jabbar’s intentions. Jabbar had a military background, having served in various capacities, and was notably deployed to Afghanistan. He graduated with a degree in Computer Information Systems in 2017 and had prior work experience in real estate.
President Joe Biden addressed the nation, confirming he received an FBI briefing on the attack, revealing that Jabbar posted troubling videos online just hours prior, indicating a desire to inflict harm.
Investigative Developments
The FBI suspects that Jabbar had accomplices in planning and executing the assault, particularly concerning the placement of the explosive devices. Investigators are currently examining video evidence, but initial assessments suggested the footage mainly depicted bystanders.
Victims of the Attack
The tragic toll of the attack includes 15 fatalities and over 35 injuries, with individual identities yet to be disclosed. Reports indicate that a student from the University of Georgia was critically injured, and two citizens from Israel were among the injured as well. Notably, many victims were locals from the area, despite the heavy influx of tourists during the New Year celebrations.
Location of the Incident
The attack unfolded on Bourbon Street, a bustling nightlife and tourist hub renowned for its restaurants, bars, and live music venues. This area, a vibrant part of New Orleans’ French Quarter, draws significant crowds during festive occasions, including the recently held New Year celebrations and the upcoming Sugar Bowl event located nearby.
