The FBI announced that the death toll from the New Orleans attack on New Year’s Day has risen to at least 15 people. This update was shared shortly after the suspect was identified.
The suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas, drove a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street early on January 1... Continue reading here ▶
The FBI confirmed finding an apparent ISIS flag inside the truck and is investigating his possible ties to terrorist organizations.
Weapons and potential explosive devices (IEDs) were also found in Jabbar’s truck and in the French Quarter. FBI bomb technicians are working to confirm whether the devices are functional and to make them safe.
During a press conference, authorities said they believe Jabbar may not have acted alone and urged the public to provide any information. A tip line has been set up at www.fbi.gov/bourbonstreetattack, or people can call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Local records reveal that Jabbar had minor criminal charges in Texas, including a 2002 theft and driving with an invalid license in 2005.
The attack, now classified as terrorism, occurred at about 3:15 a.m. on January 1 when Jabbar’s truck sped through Bourbon Street, killing 10 people initially and injuring around 35 others. After the crash, Jabbar engaged in a shootout with police, injuring two officers before he was killed.
New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick described the act as intentional. “This man deliberately tried to harm as many people as possible. He avoided barricades and was determined to cause destruction,” she said. The investigation remains ongoing.
