Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S.-born citizen and Army veteran from Texas has been identified as the suspect in the deadly New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. The rampage resulted in the deaths of 15 people and injuries to over two dozen others, leaving the city in shock as investigators work to uncover the motives and potential accomplices behind the act.
Jabbar drove a rented Ford F-150 Lightning at high speed through a crowded area, targeting revelers celebrating the holiday. After causing widespread carnage over a three-block stretch, he exited the vehicle with an assault rifle and opened fire on police officers. Officers returned fire, killing Jabbar at the scene. Two officers were injured but are now in stable condition.
Law enforcement officials have found troubling evidence in Jabbar’s possession. Inside the truck, they discovered an array of weapons, including an assault rifle, a handgun, and multiple homemade pipe bombs packed with nails and coils. A grenade was also recovered and tested for viability. In addition, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found in the French Quarter and safely neutralized. Investigators suspect Jabbar may not have acted alone, as surveillance footage shows individuals who may have been involved in planting the explosives.
Authorities believe Jabbar was radicalized in recent years, potentially influenced by the Israel-Hamas conflict. An ISIS flag was found on the truck’s trailer hitch, and social media videos posted by Jabbar shortly before the attack expressed allegiance to ISIS and a desire to kill. The FBI is reviewing these recordings for further insights into his state of mind and potential connections to terrorist organizations.
The investigation has expanded to multiple locations linked to Jabbar. An Airbnb in New Orleans, where he reportedly stayed, was searched after a fire earlier on the day of the attack, raising concerns about additional explosives. In Houston, the FBI and local law enforcement searched for Crescent Peak Drive, deploying specialized counterterrorism teams. While no arrests have been made, authorities continue to pursue leads on potential accomplices.
President Joe Biden addressed the nation, condemning the attack as a heinous act of violence and pledging full federal support for the investigation. He revealed that law enforcement officials are exploring possible links between the New Orleans attack and a Tesla Cybertruck explosion near the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on the same day. However, no evidence of coordination has been found.
Jabbar’s background is under scrutiny as investigators seek to understand his motivations. He served in the U.S. Army from 2007 to 2015, including a deployment to Afghanistan, primarily in human resources and IT roles. After leaving the military, he worked as a Realtor in Houston and later joined Deloitte as a senior solution specialist. The firm expressed shock at his involvement and is cooperating with authorities.
The truck used in the attack was rented through Turo, a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform. Turo confirmed that Jabbar had no prior criminal background that would have raised red flags and is assisting in the investigation.
As New Orleans grapples with the aftermath, security measures have been heightened across the city, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like the French Quarter. Mayor LaToya Cantrell described the attack as a terrorist act, and officials have urged residents to remain vigilant.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities determined to uncover the full scope of the attack, bring any accomplices to justice, and ensure the safety of the community.
