U.S. Army Veteran Suspected of Deadly New Year’s Day Attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans
A U.S. Army veteran from Texas, who worked for professional services giant Deloitte, is suspected of intentionally ramming a rented pickup truck into revelers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing at least 15 people and injuring 30 more on New Year’s Day.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, was identified by federal investigators as the man who carried out the attack around 3:15 a.m. on January 1. He was shot and killed by police in a shootout.
The investigation is ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack and whether Jabbar acted alone or had assistance.
This brutal and senseless act of violence has left the city of New Orleans in shock. FBI Director Christopher Wray described the attack as “an act of terrorism” and “evil,” and federal and local officials have vowed to work tirelessly to ensure justice is served.
Jabbar, a former Army staff sergeant, served on active duty from 2006 to 2015 and in the Army Reserve from 2015 to 2020, including a deployment to Afghanistan in 2009. He worked for Deloitte in a staff-level role since 2021.
The attack is being investigated as both a terrorist attack and a crime scene, with officials searching for any potential improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and reviewing videos made by Jabbar, which may show his allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS).
President Joe Biden addressed the nation, saying that Jabbar had posted videos on social media indicating he was inspired by ISIS and had expressed a desire to kill. The ISIS flag was found in his vehicle, and officials are examining whether he used a long-gun rifle and shot at people as he ran them over.
The incident has left the community in shock, with many struggling to come to terms with the brutal attack. “This is not just an act of terrorism. This is evil,” said Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick.
