The FBI is investigating the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans that resulted in the deaths of 15 people, suspecting that the attacker did not act alone.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen, reportedly drove a pickup truck into a crowd in a busy area of the city before exiting the vehicle and opening fire. He was shot and killed by police at the scene.
Authorities discovered an Islamic State flag inside the vehicle Jabbar was operating, along with two improvised explosive devices found nearby. FBI assistant special agent Alethea Duncan stated they do not believe Jabbar was “solely responsible,” classifying the incident as an “act of terrorism.”
President Joe Biden indicated that investigators are also looking into a possible connection between this attack and an explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on the same day, although no substantial links have been confirmed.
New Orleans Coroner Dr. Dwight McKenna reported that the death toll had risen to 15, noting that autopsies would take several days to complete before victim identities are released. Among the deceased is former university star Martin “Tiger” Bech, as confirmed by Princeton University’s athletic department.
Local witnesses described scenes of chaos during the attack, with reports of people scrambling for safety as Jabbar sped through the French Quarter, a popular nightlife area. Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick stated, “This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could.”
A long gun equipped with a suppressor was recovered from the scene, and the pickup truck is believed to have been rented in Texas.
Jabbar, a Texas native and former U.S. Army service member, held various roles in human resources and IT before his discharge. He had a criminal record related to traffic offenses and theft. Witnesses recounted the horror they experienced during the attack, with one hotel worker describing the aftermath of numerous bodies lying on the ground.
President Biden expressed “anger and frustration” over the incident, and the White House has offered “full federal support” to city officials. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry also extended his thoughts and prayers to the victims and first responders, condemning the “horrific act of violence.”
As a result of the attack, the Sugar Bowl college football game between Notre Dame and the University of Georgia has been postponed to Thursday.
Credit: BBC News
