New Orleans Terror Attack: FBI Investigates as Act of Terrorism
In a devastating incident early Wednesday, a vehicle attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter has left at least 10 people dead and more than 30 injured. The attack, which occurred around 3:15 a.m. local time, is being investigated by the FBI as “an act of terrorism”, according to statements from both the FBI and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
The suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S.-born citizen from Texas, drove a pickup truck around police blockades and into a crowd of New Year’s revelers. The truck, a Ford F-150 Lightning rented through the Turo app from a man in Houston, was driven at high speed down Bourbon Street, with the driver firing a gun into the crowd as he mowed people down over a three-block stretch[1][3][5].
After the vehicle attack, Jabbar exited the truck wielding an assault rifle and engaged in a firefight with police, during which he was killed by police. At least two police officers were shot and wounded in the exchange[1][3][5].
A flag representing the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) was found in the truck, prompting the FBI to investigate potential links to terrorist organizations. The FBI has stated that they do not believe Jabbar acted alone and are calling for anyone with information to come forward[1][3].
The attack occurred in an area that was heavily populated due to New Year’s celebrations. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the driver as “hell-bent on creating the carnage and damage that he did,” noting that the driver deliberately drove onto the sidewalk to bypass police vehicles and temporary barriers[1][3][5].
In response to the incident, the Sugar Bowl at the Superdome has been postponed by 24 hours and is currently on lockdown. Additional law enforcement resources have been deployed to secure the area and other New Year’s Day events in the city. Viable explosive devices were also found at the scene, leading to controlled detonations and the evacuation of some hotels in the area[1][3].
The investigation is ongoing, with the FBI taking the lead and coordinating with local and federal partners to determine the full extent of the attack and any potential connections to terrorist groups.
