A suspected terror attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans left at least 15 people dead and 35 others injured in the early hours of January 1, 2025. The horrifying incident unfolded as revelers celebrated the arrival of the New Year.
A Deadly Attack on New Year’s Day
In the midst of New Year celebrations, a rental truck was deliberately driven into a crowd of people gathered on Bourbon Street, one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar from Texas, crashed the vehicle through police barricades near Canal Street before speeding through nearly three blocks of the crowded area. The truck finally collided with a lift vehicle near Conti Street.
Initial reports confirmed 10 deaths, but the toll was later updated to 15 after additional fatalities were confirmed by the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office. Among the injured, some remain in critical condition, and authorities are working to stabilize the situation.
“This was an act of terror, and the driver was hellbent on creating the carnage and damage that he did,” said New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, reflecting the gravity of the attack.
Attack Details and Suspect’s Motive
Authorities quickly launched an investigation into the motives behind the deadly rampage. The FBI discovered weapons and a potential improvised explosive device (IED) inside the truck, further raising concerns about the scale of the attack. A flag associated with ISIS was also found on the vehicle, indicating possible ties to the terror group.
The driver, Jabbar, was killed in a shootout with police officers who had responded to the scene. Two New Orleans police officers were wounded in the exchange of gunfire but are now in stable condition. The law enforcement personnel were treated at University Medical Center, where many of the injured victims were also taken.
FBI Assistant Special Agent Alethea Duncan indicated that Jabbar might not have acted alone. Investigators are pursuing leads to identify any accomplices or collaborators in the attack.
Authorities are also investigating a small fire that occurred in the St. Roch neighborhood, located about two miles from the French Quarter, which may be connected to the terror attack.
National Reactions and Ongoing Investigation
The tragic events in New Orleans prompted swift reactions from national leaders. President Joe Biden addressed the nation on Wednesday evening, pledging federal resources to support the investigation and offering condolences to the victims’ families. He also disclosed that Jabbar had posted videos on social media hours before the attack, where he expressed admiration for ISIS.
“This was a clear act of terror, and we are working diligently to bring justice to those responsible,” Biden said, condemning the attack and offering full support to local authorities.
Former President Donald Trump also expressed his outrage, calling for stricter security measures in response to the deadly attack.
As investigators continue to piece together the events surrounding the tragedy, New Orleans is left grappling with the aftermath of one of the deadliest attacks in its history. The city has entered a period of mourning, and residents are calling for stronger measures to protect public safety.
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