2nd January 2025
Agency report
A tragic incident unfolded in the French Quarter of New Orleans, United States on Wednesday afternoon when a US Army veteran with an Islamic State flag and “hellbent” on carnage steered a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year revelers in New Orleans leaving 10 people dead and 30 others injured
The FBI identified the attacker as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old US citizen from Texas. He appeared to have been a real estate agent working in Houston and had served as an IT specialist in the military.
The attack occurred on Bourbon Street, a popular tourist destination, when the vehicle sped through a dense crowd.
Witnesses told the CBS news that the driver exited the vehicle and began shooting at pedestrians while the police returned fire, resulting in injuries to two officers during the exchange.
The New Orleans police superintendent, Anne Kirkpatrick, described the attack as “very intentional.”
“This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could,” she said.
The incident began at approximately 3:15 p.m. local time.
Kirkpatrick noted that most of the victims appeared to be local residents, although their identities had not yet been confirmed.
The death toll and injury numbers may change as investigations continue.
The FBI has taken over the investigation. According to an FBI agent, Althea Duncan, the shooting is not classified as a terrorist attack, but improvised explosive devices were discovered at the scene.
The suspect drove a white Ford F-150 electric pickup into a group of pedestrians, then exited and was killed in a shootout with police — two of whom were wounded. Two homemade bombs were found and neutralized, the FBI said.
READ MORE; Former US President, Jimmy Carter Is Dead.
Authorities are examining the devices to determine if they are viable. Duncan urged the public to avoid the area until further notice.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry expressed his shock over the incident, describing it as a “horrific act of violence.” He extended his condolences to the victims and praised the first responders at the scene.
New Orleans is one of the most heavily visited destinations in the United States, and will host the Super Bowl next month.
The attack came just hours before the city was due to put on the Sugar Bowl, a major college football game. It was delayed until Thursday.
The tragedy has left the city reeling, as officials work to ensure public safety and also to uncover the motive behind the attack
