On New Year’s Day, New Orleans was shaken by a terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 15 people and injured over 30 others.
New Orleans terror attack: Here’s everything we know
According to reports, the incident unfolded at 03:15 (11:15 SAST). in the French Quarter as celebrations for the New Year were drawing to a close.
The suspect, Shamsud Din Jabbar, drove a rented pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street.
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After hitting the crowd, Jabbar exited the vehicle and opened fire on law enforcement officers.
A gunfight ensued, during which Jabbar was fatally shot. Law enforcement later discovered explosives in the truck, including weapons and a flag associated with ISIS.
The FBI is treating the event as an act of terrorism and is investigating potential accomplices.
Who was Shamsud Din Jabbar?
Shamsud Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old US citizen from Texas, served in the Army and had multiple addresses linked to the Houston area, including Harris County, Fresno, and Beaumont.
At the time of the attack, he was wearing military gear, and his vehicle bore a Texas license plate.
Reports suggest that Jabbar may have been facing financial difficulties, as indicated by court records from divorce proceedings.
While investigators have yet to confirm a direct connection to a larger terrorist network, the presence of an ISIS flag and explosives in his vehicle has prompted further scrutiny of his affiliations.
Law enforcement conducted searches at a property in the St Roch area of New Orleans and at a location in Houston, both linked to Jabbar.
Authorities are also investigating whether he acted alone or had support in planning the attack. Thus far, no direct links have been made between the New Orleans terror attack and the Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas.
The FBI has urged anyone with information about Jabbar or his recent activities to come forward as the investigation continues.
