In a shocking act of violence on New Year’s Day, a pickup truck intentionally drove into crowds of revelers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens more. The attack, which authorities are investigating as an act of terrorism, has devastated the city and raised questions about public safety during major celebrations.
The driver, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas, drove the rented electric pickup truck through barricades and onto the crowded sidewalk, according to the FBI. After the vehicle came to a stop, Jabbar exited and opened fire on responding police officers, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said. He was killed during an exchange of gunfire with officers, two of whom were wounded but are now in stable condition.
FBI Special Agent Alethea Duncan confirmed that a black ISIS flag was affixed to the truck’s rear bumper. Investigators discovered weapons, including a long gun with a suppressive device, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) inside the vehicle. Additional IEDs were located in the French Quarter, with at least one being safely detonated by law enforcement. These findings have led authorities to believe that Jabbar may have had accomplices, though no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
“We had a car there, we had barriers there, we had officers there, and he still got around,” Kirkpatrick said, emphasizing the challenges law enforcement faced in stopping the attack. Kirkpatrick also described Jabbar as “hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did.”
Scene of Chaos and Terror
Bourbon Street, crowded with New Year’s Day revelers, was transformed into a scene of devastation. Witnesses reported hearing crashing sounds and gunfire as the truck tore through the crowd. Jim and Nicole Mowrer, tourists from Iowa, recounted the horrifying moments when they saw the truck slam through a barricade and hit pedestrians.
“Once the gunfire stopped, we stayed in the alcove… came out into the street, and came across a lot of — several people who had been hit, [we] wanted to see what we could do to help,” Nicole said. The couple said the victims they encountered had injuries consistent with being struck by the truck.
Ongoing Investigation
The FBI is leading the investigation with support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and other agencies. Duncan revealed that law enforcement is examining potential connections between Jabbar and terrorist organizations, as well as reviewing surveillance footage to identify possible accomplices. A fire at an Airbnb rented by Jabbar is also being investigated for links to the attack.
In addition to the fatalities, the City of New Orleans confirmed that at least 30 people were transported to hospitals, with later updates suggesting 35 were hospitalized. Emergency responders worked throughout the night to clear the area and secure the French Quarter.
City and National Response
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry described the event as “a horrific act of violence” and urged people to avoid the area. President Joe Biden issued a statement condemning the attack, pledging federal support for the investigation, and expressing sympathy for the victims and their families. “There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation’s communities,” Biden said.
The Sugar Bowl, originally scheduled for later that day at the nearby Superdome, was postponed as authorities conducted bomb sweeps and ensured the safety of the stadium. A student from the University of Georgia, one of the teams competing in the game, was critically injured in the attack, the school confirmed.
As New Orleans grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, officials have urged vigilance and requested that anyone with information about the attack contact authorities. The city, known for its resilience and vibrant spirit, now mourns the loss of life on what should have been a day of celebration.