Takeaways:
- A terrorist attack on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street on New Year’s Day resulted in 14 deaths and over 30 injuries.
- The suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was identified as an Army veteran with ties to ISIS.
- The FBI is urging witnesses to come forward with information, photos, or videos to aid the investigation.
New Orleans Bourbon Street Attack: Timeline and Investigation Updates
A devastating terrorist attack unfolded on New Orleans’ iconic Bourbon Street early New Year’s Day, leaving 14 dead and over 30 injured. The FBI has identified the attacker as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Texas resident and former Army veteran with financial troubles and a history of missed child support payments. Authorities confirmed Jabbar swore allegiance to ISIS prior to the attack.
Timeline of Events
Monday, Dec. 30, 2024 Jabbar rented a Ford F-150 EV through the Turo app in Houston. Authorities note a possible connection between this attack and a similar incident involving an EV explosion in Las Vegas. Both Jabbar and the Las Vegas suspect, Matthew Livelsberger, served in the Army and were deployed to Afghanistan in 2009, though investigators have not established a direct link between the two.
Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024 Jabbar drove approximately 350 miles from Houston to New Orleans. During the trip, he posted a series of videos on Facebook detailing his motives and intentions. In these videos, Jabbar expressed his desire to attract media attention to what he described as a “war between believers and disbelievers.”
Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025 In the early hours of the morning, Jabbar planted two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) concealed in coolers along Bourbon Street. At 3:17 a.m., he drove his truck into a crowd of New Year’s revelers, killing 14 people. He was shot dead by police shortly after crashing the vehicle. The IEDs were safely disarmed by authorities.
Investigation Details
FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia confirmed that the attack was a premeditated act of terrorism. Investigators recovered several items from Jabbar’s truck, including an ISIS flag, three cellphones, and additional electronic devices. A will and testament, as well as bomb-making materials, were found in a rental home linked to Jabbar.
Airbnb Fire Linked to Investigation Shortly after the attack, a fire broke out at an Airbnb rental connected to Jabbar. Bomb-making materials were discovered at the scene. Investigators believe the fire occurred after Jabbar’s death.
No Prior Intel on Suspect Authorities revealed they had no prior intelligence on Jabbar. He was not on any watchlists or considered a person of interest before the attack. His military background includes service as a human resources and IT specialist from 2007 to 2015 and continued Army Reserve service until 2020.
Authorities Call for Public Assistance
The FBI is appealing to anyone with information about the attack or Jabbar’s activities to come forward. They are particularly interested in accounts from people who were in the French Quarter on New Year’s Eve or early New Year’s Day. Photos, videos, and other tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or online.
Impact on New Orleans
The city remains shaken by the attack, which targeted a popular tourist destination during one of the busiest times of the year. In the wake of the incident, the Sugar Bowl game was postponed, and security measures across the city have been heightened.