New Orleans’ New Year’s festivities turned tragic as a truck attack linked to ISIS left 15 dead and 30 injured on Bourbon Street, prompting a federal terrorism investigation.
At a Glance
- Suspect Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, drove a truck into New Year’s crowd, killing 15 and injuring 30
- President Biden revealed suspect posted ISIS-inspired videos before the attack
- FBI investigating as terrorism, found ISIS flag and possible explosives in suspect’s vehicle
- Suspect was a former U.S. Army and Army Reserves member
- Possible connections to other incidents in Las Vegas and Honolulu under investigation
Terror Strikes New Orleans’ New Year’s Celebration
In a horrifying start to 2024, New Orleans’ vibrant Bourbon Street became the scene of a devastating attack. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Houston resident, allegedly plowed a rented truck into a crowd of New Year’s revelers, resulting in at least 15 deaths and injuring 30 others. The incident, which occurred in the heart of the French Quarter, has shocked the nation and raised serious concerns about domestic terrorism.
President Joe Biden addressed the nation, revealing disturbing details about the suspect’s background and potential motivations. “The FBI also reported to me that mere hours before the attack, he posted videos on social media indicating that he was inspired by ISIS, especially a desire to kill. The ISIS flag was found in his vehicle, which he rented to conduct this attack,” Biden said.
"Mere hours before the attack, he posted videos on social media indicating that it was inspired by ISIS."
US President Joe Biden discusses what is known about the New Orleans attack suspect.
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FBI Launches Terrorism Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has taken the lead in what is now being treated as a terrorism case. Agents discovered an ISIS flag in Jabbar’s rented vehicle, along with weapons and what appeared to be an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). This evidence, combined with the suspect’s online activity, has intensified the investigation’s focus on potential links to foreign terrorist organizations.
“This is not just an act of terrorism. This is evil,” New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said.
Adding complexity to the case, authorities revealed that Jabbar had previously served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves. This background has raised questions about the suspect’s path to radicalization and the potential for insider threats within military ranks.
Wider Implications and Connected Incidents
The New Orleans attack may not be an isolated incident. The FBI is investigating possible connections to other events, including a Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas and an incident in Honolulu. These developments have put law enforcement agencies across the country on high alert, with the FBI warning of an elevated international terrorism threat, partly due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
