Takeaways
- The New Orleans attack on New Year’s Day killed 14 people and injured 35 in a premeditated act of terrorism.
- The suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, acted alone, according to the FBI.
- Authorities are investigating Jabbar’s motives, including his proclaimed allegiance to ISIS.
- Bourbon Street has been cleared and reopened, with assurances of enhanced public safety measures.
New Orleans Attack: FBI Confirms No Additional Suspects Involved
Authorities have determined that the New Year’s Day truck attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, which resulted in 14 deaths and 35 injuries, was carried out by a lone suspect. The FBI’s Christopher Raia described the incident as a “premeditated act of terrorism.”
The Attack
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Army veteran, drove a pickup truck onto a crowded sidewalk, bypassing a police barricade, and mowed down pedestrians along a three-block stretch of Bourbon Street. Surveillance footage revealed that he placed two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in coolers in the area before the attack.
Jabbar exited the truck after it was damaged and opened fire on police with an assault rifle. He was killed when officers returned fire. At least two officers were injured, one by gunfire and another pinned by the truck.
Investigation Progress
The FBI and local law enforcement have conducted extensive searches of Jabbar’s home in Houston and other locations. Authorities recovered an ISIS flag from the truck and found videos posted by Jabbar on social media expressing allegiance to the terrorist group. These videos, posted shortly before the attack, revealed his intention to target a larger audience rather than his own family and friends.
“There were five videos posted on Jabbar’s Facebook account beginning at 1:29 a.m., with the last posted at 3:02 a.m.,” Raia stated. The content emphasized his commitment to what he described as a “war between the believers and the disbelievers.”
Law Enforcement’s Efforts
Over 400 tips have been submitted, and more than 1,000 law enforcement officers are involved in the investigation. Officials are analyzing Jabbar’s digital devices to uncover any communication with potential accomplices. However, no evidence suggests that anyone assisted him during the attack.
Authorities are urging individuals who knew Jabbar or witnessed his activities in New Orleans or Houston to come forward. “Whether you knew Jabbar personally, worked with him, or saw him during the holiday season, your information is critical,” Raia said.
Impact on New Orleans
Bourbon Street has been reopened to the public, and Mayor LaToya Cantrell assured residents and visitors of enhanced safety measures. The Sugar Bowl, postponed due to the attack, proceeded the following day.
“Our hearts and prayers continue to go out to the victims’ families,” Cantrell said. “New Orleans remains committed to hosting large-scale events and ensuring public safety.”
Related Developments
Authorities have stated there is no evidence linking the New Orleans attack to the recent Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. Both incidents are being investigated independently as potential acts of terrorism, though no direct connection has been established.
The Las Vegas attack, also involving a rented vehicle, resulted in one fatality and seven injuries. Investigators continue to probe the motives behind both attacks.