A tragic start to the New Year unfolded in New Orleans as a pick-up truck ploughed into a crowded market on Bourbon Street, killing at least 15 people and injuring over 35. The FBI, which has taken over the investigation, is treating the incident as an “act of terrorism”.
The suspect, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, was identified as a US citizen and Army veteran from Texas. Jabbar drove a white Ford truck into the crowd early Wednesday morning, leaving chaos in his wake. Law enforcement officials confirmed that Jabbar was killed in a firefight with police shortly after the attack, and investigations are ongoing to identify possible accomplices.
Who was Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar?
Jabbar served in the US Army from 2007 to 2020, including a deployment to Afghanistan. After leaving the military, he worked in business development for Deloitte. Court records revealed financial struggles and a tumultuous divorce in 2022, with Jabbar reporting $27,000 in mortgage arrears and $16,000 in credit card debt. In a statement, Deloitte said Jabbar had “served in a staff-level role” since being hired in 2021 and that the company was doing all it could to assist authorities.
Authorities discovered an Islamic State flag on Jabbar’s vehicle, though it is unclear if he had formal ties to any terrorist organisation. The FBI’s New Orleans field office assistant special agent Alethea Duncan stated, “We do not believe Jabbar acted alone.”
The State Police revealed that Jabbar’s vehicle contained firearms and pipe bombs. The explosives, concealed in coolers, were wired for remote detonation, with a remote control found in the truck. These discoveries point to a premeditated attack with potentially greater devastation planned.
Nation reacts
President Joe Biden condemned the attack, calling it “senseless violence” and extended condolences to the victims’ families. “There is no justification for violence of any kind,” Biden said, pledging federal support for recovery efforts and the investigation.
As the investigation continues, Bourbon Street mourns the lives lost in an attack that has left the nation in shock. The authorities are pursuing leads to ensure justice is served and to prevent similar acts in the future.