The FBI has confirmed that the Army veteran who drove a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year’s revelers in New Orleans acted alone, reversing its earlier claim that he may have collaborated with others. Officials described the attack as inspired by the Islamic State group.
The attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old American citizen from Texas, posted five videos on Facebook shortly before the incident, expressing support for ISIS and previewing his intentions. Christopher Raia, deputy assistant director of the FBI’s counterterrorism division, called the act “premeditated and evil,” emphasizing that Jabbar was “100% inspired” by the militant group.
The attack, which occurred on Bourbon Street, claimed the lives of 14 people, including Jabbar, who was killed in a police shootout after bypassing a barricade. Thirty others were injured. The victims included an 18-year-old aspiring nurse, a single mother, a father of two, and a former Princeton University football star. Authorities also discovered crude bombs in the area, which were safely neutralized.
Deadliest IS-Inspired Attack in Years
This marked the deadliest ISIS-inspired attack in the U.S. in years, underscoring federal concerns about the resurgence of international terrorism. The incident coincides with anticipated leadership changes in federal agencies as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office.
Raia clarified that there was no connection between this attack and the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck loaded with explosives outside Trump’s Las Vegas hotel the previous day. In that incident, a U.S. Army Green Beret detonated the truck and fatally shot himself.
Investigation and Motive
The FBI’s investigation revealed Jabbar’s radicalization journey, which included posting a video indicating he initially considered targeting his family and friends but opted for a broader attack to draw attention to the “war between believers and disbelievers.” Authorities recovered an ISIS flag from his truck and examined his online activity, including his last will and testament.
Jabbar’s background includes Army service from 2007 to 2020, during which he deployed to Afghanistan. He reportedly traveled to Egypt and Toronto in 2023, though the purpose of these trips remains unclear. Friends and family expressed disbelief, describing Jabbar as quiet, reserved, and previously showing no signs of radicalization.
City Recovers
New Orleans began returning to normalcy, with Bourbon Street reopening and the Sugar Bowl football game proceeding after a one-day postponement. Mayor LaToya Cantrell reaffirmed the city’s resilience, emphasizing its readiness to host large-scale events, including next month’s Super Bowl.
