Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the Terrorist Who Wreaked Havoc in New Orleans, Was a Decorated Army Veteran
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the individual responsible for the devastating attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, had a decorated military career before turning to terrorism. According to sources, Jabbar served in the regular Army from March 2007 to January 2015 as a Human Resource Specialist and Information Technology Specialist, earning 23 medals, ribbons, and badges.
Jabbar’s military honors included the Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and Army Commendation Medal, as well as the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. During his deployment to Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010, he earned an Afghanistan Campaign Medal with a campaign star.
After leaving the regular Army, Jabbar served in the Army Reserve from January 2015 to July 2020 as an IT Specialist, holding the rank of Staff Sergeant by the end of his service. His other awards included the Driver and Mechanic Badge, which denotes a high degree of skill in motor vehicle operation and maintenance.
Despite his decorated military career, Jabbar struggled to adjust to civilian life after leaving the Army. He told his college newspaper that he was having trouble using his G.I. Bill benefits and connecting with his peers. However, his life took a dark turn when he committed an act of domestic terrorism, killing 14 people on a busy Bourbon Street.
Jabbar’s transformation from a decorated Army veteran to a terrorist is a stark reminder of the complexities of human nature and the challenges faced by individuals struggling to adjust to civilian life after military service.