A sweeping tragedy struck New Orleans early Tuesday morning when a driver intentionally plowed a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing at least 15 people and injuring over 35. The attack, occurring amid New Year’s Eve celebrations, has left the city and the nation reeling.
Suspect Identification
The FBI has identified the suspect as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran from Texas. Jabbar served in the military for a decade, including a deployment to Afghanistan in 2009, and was honorably discharged. Recently, he faced significant financial difficulties following a divorce.
Details of the Attack
The incident began at approximately 3:15 a.m. CST when Jabbar drove a rented Ford F-150 electric vehicle into a heavily populated area of Bourbon Street, bypassing police barricades. After colliding with a crane, Jabbar exited the truck and opened fire on the crowd using a Glock pistol and a stolen .308 rifle. Police officers quickly intervened and fatally shot Jabbar during the standoff.
Evidence and Investigation
An ISIS flag was found attached to the truck’s trailer hitch. Firearms and pipe bombs designed for remote detonation were also discovered. This evidence has led the FBI to treat the incident as a terrorist attack.
Investigators have confirmed Jabbar did not act alone, citing surveillance footage of suspected accomplices planting explosives in the French Quarter. Authorities are now working to track down Jabbar’s associates and determine the extent of the conspiracy.
Impact on Residents and Businesses
The attack has deeply impacted New Orleans, particularly as it took place during a peak tourism period. Residents expressed frustration and grief, with many reflecting on the city’s repeated struggles with violence and disaster.
Businesses, especially those reliant on tourism, suffered as events were canceled, and the streets emptied. Hospitals and emergency services were stretched thin, while schools and workplaces remained closed in the aftermath.
Government and Utility Responses
Governor John Bel Edwards has called for calm and assured the public that every effort is being made to restore safety. LUMA Energy, which provides electricity to New Orleans, has also emphasized its focus on maintaining power amid heightened security measures.
President Joe Biden condemned the attack, expressing condolences to the victims’ families and promising federal support for the investigation and recovery efforts.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
This tragic event has reignited conversations about domestic terrorism and the vulnerabilities in public safety. Federal and local law enforcement agencies continue to collaborate to uncover all details of the plot and prevent future attacks.
This is a developing story, and updates will follow as new information emerges.
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