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| Credit: CNA |
A horrifying terrorist attack unfolded in New Orleans on New Year’s Day 2025 when a US Army veteran plowed a truck into crowds in the city’s French Quarter, killing 15 people and injuring 30 others. The suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, was shot dead in a confrontation with police shortly after the attack, which occurred around 3:15 a.m. near the bustling Canal and Bourbon Streets.
Jabbar, a US citizen from Texas and a former Army staff sergeant who served in Afghanistan, carried out the attack with what authorities believe was the help of accomplices. An ISIS flag attached to the rented truck and a video posted online hours before the incident suggest the attack was inspired by the terrorist organization.
The chaos began as Jabbar swerved around temporary barriers and drove into a pedestrian area packed with New Year’s Eve revelers. Witnesses described the sound of screeching tires, crunching metal, and screams as the truck hit bystanders. Police responded quickly, and a shootout ensued, during which two officers were injured.
Authorities postponed the Sugar Bowl, a major college football game, as a precautionary measure while they searched for possible explosive devices. The FBI later confirmed finding two improvised explosive devices in the French Quarter, which were safely neutralized.
Ongoing Investigation
The FBI is investigating Jabbar’s possible connections to ISIS, stating that the attack was not a lone effort. Surveillance footage and witness reports have led investigators to explore the involvement of other individuals, with FBI Assistant Special Agent Alethea Duncan noting a “range of suspects.”
Police also conducted raids in Houston, Texas, where Jabbar resided and worked in real estate. Public records show he served in the US Army from 2007 to 2015 and later in the Army Reserve until 2020. In promotional material for his real estate business, Jabbar described himself as a military veteran who grew up in Beaumont, Texas.
Motivations and Warning Signs
Videos posted by Jabbar on social media before the attack revealed his allegiance to ISIS. In the recordings, he expressed personal struggles, including a divorce, and spoke of plans to carry out a celebration with his family, which he later abandoned in favor of the attack. Experts have noted that ISIS has long encouraged vehicle attacks to spread fear, a tactic seen in similar incidents worldwide.
The New Orleans attack highlights the enduring threat of radicalization. Analysts have pointed out that while ISIS has lost territorial control, its ability to inspire individuals through online propaganda remains a concern.
Community Impact and Response
New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick condemned the attack as an act of “pure evil” and emphasized the ongoing threat of vehicle ramming incidents. The city had been working to enhance pedestrian safety with new steel barriers, but the project was not yet complete.
Witnesses described the aftermath of the attack as chaotic and heartbreaking. One couple recounted hearing the truck’s engine rev before it struck pedestrians, leaving debris and injured people in its wake.
US President Joe Biden denounced the attack as a “despicable act of terrorism” and pledged full support for the investigation. Officials continue to urge the public to report any information that could aid in identifying accomplices.
As New Orleans begins the recovery process, residents and visitors remain on edge, particularly with the city set to host the NFL Super Bowl in February.
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