New Orleans, LA — In a tragic act of violence, a man drove a rented pickup truck through barricades into a crowd of New Year’s revelers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans early Wednesday, resulting in at least 15 deaths and several injuries. City and federal officials, who are investigating the attack as an act of terror, indicated that the assailant was armed and opened fire during the incident.
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar from Texas, reportedly accelerated his truck into the throng of party-goers, continuing his lethal rampage over a span of three blocks. After coming to a stop, Jabbar allegedly exited the vehicle wielding an assault rifle and began shooting at police officers, who responded by fatally shooting him.
In the wake of the attack, law enforcement discovered improvised explosive devices in the vicinity, heightening concerns of a broader terror plot. Multiple agencies are currently probing the extent of the incident, with the FBI noting that Jabbar did not likely act alone.
Approximately 30 people were injured in the attack, with four individuals being treated and subsequently released from Ochsner Baptist hospital. The extent of other injuries varies, with some victims requiring hospitalization. Among the injured is a University of Georgia student, as confirmed by the institution’s president.
The use of a Ford F-150 Lightning, an electric version of the popular model, was confirmed by sources who indicated it had been rented through a car-sharing service. Upon analysis, authorities found an ISIS flag and additional weapons in the truck, suggesting Jabbar’s possible links to terrorist organizations.
This violent outbreak prompted a delay in the Sugar Bowl, a major college football event, moving it from Wednesday night to Thursday to ensure public safety and enable law enforcement to secure the area.
The local community and officials have reacted with shock and mourning. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry have both spoken out, extending their condolences to the victims’ families and praising the brave response of first responders. The city has lowered flags to half-staff, and a state of emergency has been declared to manage the crisis.
Authorities are continuing their search for possible additional explosives and are conducting investigations into the security measures in place at the time of the attack. Questions have been raised about the effectiveness of the barricades and whether the truck circumvented other protective measures.
Residents and visitors have been left reeling by the scale of the tragedy. Witness accounts describe a chaotic scene with bodies and debris scattered along the historic street, leading to urgent calls for medical assistance and law enforcement response.
This incident follows global concerns about the use of vehicles as weapons in terror attacks, with recent advisories from federal and international law enforcement agencies warning of the increasing frequency of such methods.
Officials encourage anyone with information regarding Jabbar or the incident to come forward to aid the ongoing investigation and to ensure community safety amidst this harrowing start to the New Year.