In the early hours of January 1, 2025, a tragic act of terrorism unfolded on Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter. A 42-year-old Texas resident, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, deliberately drove a rented Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck into a crowd of New Year’s revelers.
Initially, it was reported that 10 people were killed, but according to the FBI, five additional victims have since succumbed to their injuries, bringing the death toll to 15.
The footage obtained by Fox 8 New Orleans shows Jabbar’s white pickup truck with Texas plates and an ISIS flag inching through Canal Street traffic before taking a sharp turn down Bourbon Street. Security footage further captured the harrowing sequence as Jabbar’s vehicle breached barricades and accelerated through the densely packed street. The rampage concluded when the truck collided with a parked crane. Jabbar then exited the vehicle and engaged in a shootout with police officers, during which he was fatally shot.
FBI Statement on the Attack in New Orleans
Today, at approximately 3:15 a.m. CST, an individual drove a pickup truck into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing at least 10 and injuring dozens of others. After hitting the crowd, he exited the vehicle and fired upon local law enforcement. Law enforcement returned fire, and the subject was pronounced deceased at the scene. Two law enforcement officers were injured and transported to a local hospital.
The subject has been identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas. He was driving a Ford pickup truck, which appears to have been rented, and we are working to confirm how the subject came into possession of the vehicle.
An ISIS flag was located in the vehicle, and the FBI is working to determine the subject’s potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations.
Weapons and a potential IED were located in the subject’s vehicle. Other potential IEDs were also located in the French Quarter. The FBI’s special agent bomb technicians are working with our law enforcement partners to determine if any of these devices are viable, and they will work to render those devices safe.
The FBI is the lead investigative agency, and we are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism. We are aggressively running down all leads to identify any possible associates of the subject.
Investigation and Community Impact
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is treating the incident as an act of terrorism. An ISIS flag was discovered inside the truck, and authorities are probing potential connections between Jabbar and terrorist organizations. Additionally, weapons and possible explosive devices were found in the vehicle and at other locations within the French Quarter.
Among the victims were nursing student Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, father of two Reggie Hunter, trader Tiger Bech, and young mother Nicole Perez. Their untimely deaths have left the community in mourning.
In response to the attack, the Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal between Georgia and Notre Dame, scheduled for New Year’s Day, has been postponed to Thursday. Authorities cited public safety concerns and the need for enhanced security measures around the Superdome as reasons for the delay.
President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have both expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged support for the ongoing investigation. Local officials, including Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, have emphasized their commitment to securing the city and apprehending any potential accomplices.
The FBI continues to investigate the incident, urging anyone with information to come forward. Residents and visitors are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement.
A global media for the latest news, entertainment, music fashion, and more.
