AT LEAST 15 DEAD, DOZENS INJURED AFTER NEW YEAR’S DAY ATTACK ON BOURBON STREET
A mass casualty attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on New Year’s Day left at least 15 people dead and dozens more injured. The FBI is investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism, and officials are working to piece together details of the attack.
The perpetrator, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, used a truck to plow into a crowded sidewalk on Bourbon Street, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens more. Jabbar was shot and killed by police, and a review of security footage shows that he intentionally drove past a police vehicle to carry out the attack.
The FBI found two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and additional explosive materials in and around the French Quarter, and the remote control for the IEDs was found inside Jabbar’s truck.
The attack forced the postponement of the Allstate Sugar Bowl, which was scheduled to take place on New Year’s Day. The game will now take place on Thursday.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick have called the incident an intentional attack, and the FBI has released a statement saying that the investigation is being led as an act of terrorism.
Jabbar, who was a US citizen from Texas, was identified as a former real estate agent and US Army veteran. FBI officials say they believe he was not acting alone and are seeking information from anyone who may have had contact with him in the past 72 hours.
As the investigation continues, authorities have identified several of the victims of the attack, including a father of two and a former college football player.
The city’s Celebration in the Oaks holiday lights display has been shut down, and officials are asking anyone who may have information about the attack to come forward.
