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New Orleans New Year’s Day Attack: Army Veteran Identified as Suspect in Terrorist Act
The FBI has identified Shamsud Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas, as the suspect in the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans that claimed the lives of 10 people and left 35 others injured. The incident, classified as an act of terrorism, has prompted a federal investigation into potential ties to terrorist organizations.
Attack Details
Jabbar drove a rented Ford pickup truck into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens more. After exiting the vehicle, he opened fire on law enforcement, leading officers to return fire and kill him at the scene.
Weapons, including a long-range rifle, and a potential improvised explosive device (IED) were discovered in the vehicle, which also contained an ISIS flag. The FBI is actively investigating Jabbar’s potential affiliations with the terrorist organization.
Key Information About the Suspect
Army Veteran from Texas:The FBI confirmed that Jabbar was a U.S. Army veteran. He was wearing full military gear during the attack, raising questions about his motives and state of mind.
Weapons and Explosives Found:City officials reported that explosives were stored in an ice chest within the truck. Jabbar’s vehicle, a white Ford truck with Texas plates (LZ1 575), also had a trailer hitch wrapped in a pipe with cloth or a flag draped over it.
Not Acting Alone:The FBI suspects Jabbar did not act alone and is pursuing leads on potential accomplices.
Not Local to New Orleans:Authorities confirmed that Jabbar was not a resident of New Orleans. He is believed to have been staying at an AirBnB in the St. Roch area. The property was evacuated, and a heavy police presence remains in place on Mandeville Street.
Community and Federal Response
The tragic incident has drawn national attention, with local leaders and federal authorities working to piece together the suspect’s motives and affiliations.
City Council President Helena Moreno confirmed the presence of explosives and emphasized the deliberate nature of the attack. "This was a calculated act of terror," she said.
The FBI has classified the incident as terrorism and is leading the investigation, with officials urging the public to remain vigilant.
Witness Accounts and Ongoing Investigation
Witnesses described chaotic scenes, hearing gunshots and seeing crowds scatter as the suspect drove through barricades. The explosions and gunfire left lasting impressions on those nearby.
As investigations continue, authorities are urging anyone with information to contact local law enforcement or the FBI.
This shocking act of violence on what should have been a celebratory day has left the New Orleans community in mourning and prompted urgent questions about safety and preparedness in public spaces.
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