Police officers gather at the site where a truck plowed into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter, Louisiana, on January 1, 2025, as seen in this video still. Reuters


January 02, 2024 Tags:

A horrifying incident shook New Orleans' French Quarter early on New Year’s Day as a driver, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, rammed a truck into a crowd celebrating the occasion. Jabbar, a 42-year-old Army veteran from Texas, flew an ISIS flag from his vehicle during the attack, leaving 15 dead and around 30 injured. The chaos unfolded near the iconic Canal and Bourbon Streets, a hub for tourists and revelers. Among the injured were two police officers who exchanged gunfire with the suspect, ultimately killing him at the scene.
Jabbar, a former Army staff sergeant, served in Afghanistan and later worked in real estate in Houston. Social media evidence revealed he had posted videos before the attack, expressing admiration for ISIS and a desire to kill. The FBI believes Jabbar may have had accomplices and is actively investigating his connections. Authorities are also examining potential ties to a truck fire outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas, although no direct link has been confirmed.

The aftermath of the attack saw police discovering weapons and potential explosive devices in Jabbar’s vehicle. Additional explosive materials were located and safely deactivated in the area, prompting heightened security measures. The Sugar Bowl, a major annual college football event, was postponed as police scoured the city for any further threats.

The victims of this senseless tragedy included a young mother celebrating a career milestone, a student athlete visiting family for the holidays, and a teenager aspiring to become a nurse. President Joe Biden strongly condemned the attack, labeling it a “despicable act,” and promised a thorough investigation to ensure justice for the victims.

A fire truck and police vehicle are seen near the scene of a deadly truck attack during New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 1, 2025. Reuters

Eyewitnesses recounted the terrifying moments of the attack. Kimberly Strickland, visiting from Alabama, described hearing the engine rev and the deafening crash as the truck barreled through the crowd, leaving behind screams and wreckage. Despite having temporary barriers and increased police presence, the city’s security measures could not prevent the devastation. Plans to upgrade barriers in the area were underway and are expected to be completed ahead of the upcoming Super Bowl.

Jabbar’s background highlights a stark transformation from a decorated soldier to a violent extremist. Experts believe ISIS continues to exploit online platforms to recruit followers, even as its physical strongholds have been dismantled. Authorities are determined to uncover the full scope of Jabbar’s motives and connections.

This tragic event has left a community in mourning and a nation on alert. New Orleans remains committed to enhancing security and resilience as it prepares for future events. The city, known for its vibrant culture and spirit, vows to stand united against threats to its peace and safety.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

Thousands of People Bid Final Goodbye to Pope Francis at Vatican City

On Friday evening, Pope Francis' wooden coffin was sealed, officially ending the three days his body lay in state at....

George Santos Sentenced To Seven Years For Fraud In House Campaign

George Santos, a former US representative, received a seven-year prison sentence on Friday. The case ended a long controversy that....

Virginia Giuffre, Epstein Accuser, Dies at 41 in Australia

Virginia Giuffre, known for accusing Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein of sexual abuse, has died by suicide at 41. Her....

Pakistan halts Indian visas After Deadly Kashmir Attack On Tourists

Pakistan has taken strong steps against India following a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 tourists. The....

China Opens Moon Rocks To Global Scientists, Including the US

China has agreed to let scientists from six countries, including the United States, study Moon rocks it collected during its....

Israel Admits Killing UN Worker In Gaza After Initial Denial

Israel's military has admitted that its troops killed a United Nations (UN) worker in the Gaza Strip last month, after....

Trump Criticizes Putin Over Deadly Russian Strikes On Kyiv

US President Donald Trump has expressed his anger over the deadly Russian missile strikes on Kyiv, Ukraine, stating that he....

Thousands Gather To Bid Farewell To Pope Francis In Vatican

Pope Francis’ body was laid in state at St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, allowing thousands of Catholic pilgrims to pay....

India Calls In Pakistan Envoy Over Kashmir Attack That Killed 26

India took strong diplomatic steps against Pakistan after a deadly attack in Kashmir. The government summoned Pakistan’s top diplomat in....

India Halts Indus Treaty, Closes Attari Border Over Militant Attack

India has taken strong action against Pakistan following a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. This attack killed....

6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Near Istanbul, Causes Panic

A strong 6.2-magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of Istanbul on Wednesday, causing panic in the Turkish city. The quake....

Gaza Health Ministry Defends Accuracy Of Death Toll Data

At al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Alam Hirzallah faces a heartbreaking task: registering the deaths of his cousin’s wife and....