Breaking news:US authorities say New Orleans attacker travelled to Egypt, Canada.. see more…1000 words news
On January 1, 2025, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran, carried out a deadly attack in New Orleans, Louisiana. Driving a rented Ford F-150 pickup truck, Jabbar plowed into a crowd on Bourbon Street, resulting in 14 fatalities and injuring dozens more. After crashing the vehicle, he exited and exchanged gunfire with police officers, who fatally shot him at the scene.
**Background and Travels**
Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas, had a history of international travel in the months leading up to the attack. In June 2023, he visited Cairo, Egypt, followed by a trip to Ontario, Canada, in July 2023. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is currently investigating these trips to determine if they played a role in his radicalization or planning of the attack.
In addition to his international travels, Jabbar made two visits to New Orleans in October and November 2024. During these trips, he stayed in a rental property and used Meta smart glasses to record videos in the French Quarter, suggesting he was scouting the area in preparation for the attack.
**Attack Details**
On New Year’s Day, Jabbar breached a police barrier on Bourbon Street by ramming his truck into the crowded area. After the vehicle came to a halt, he exited and opened fire on law enforcement officers, who responded by shooting and killing him. An ISIS flag was found in his vehicle, indicating his allegiance to the Islamic State group.
Investigators also discovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Jabbar’s vehicle and at his rental property. Some of these devices were placed in coolers along Bourbon Street but failed to detonate due to improper equipment. The swift response by law enforcement prevented further casualties.
**Investigation and Motive**
The FBI believes that Jabbar acted alone in this premeditated attack. His prior military experience and the presence of bomb-making materials at his residence suggest a level of planning and intent to cause significant harm. Authorities are examining his digital footprint, including videos he posted expressing support for ISIS, to understand his radicalization process.
Jabbar’s background includes a decade-long service in the U.S. Army, with deployments to Afghanistan. He was honorably discharged and later worked in the private sector. Despite his military background, he was not on any federal watchlists prior to the attack.
**Community Impact and Response**
The attack has had a profound impact on the New Orleans community, especially with the upcoming Carnival season and Super Bowl events. Local authorities are implementing enhanced security measures to ensure public safety during these gatherings. President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit the city to offer support to the victims’ families and the broader community.
Among the victims was Edward Pettifer, who had familial ties to British royal family staff. The coroner’s office has identified 13 out of the 14 victims, all of whom died from blunt force injuries. Sixteen individuals remain hospitalized, with eight in critical condition.
**Ongoing Investigation**
The FBI continues to investigate Jabbar’s activities, both domestically and internationally, to uncover any potential connections to terrorist organizations. They are also analyzing his communications and online presence to identify any associates or influences that may have contributed to his radicalization. The agency emphasizes the importance of community vigilance and reporting suspicious activities to prevent future incidents.
This tragic event underscores the persistent threat of both foreign and domestic terrorism in the United States. Law enforcement agencies are urging the public to remain alert and report any suspicious behavior to help safeguard communities against such acts of violence.
