A terrifying New Year’s Day unfolded in New Orleans when a man drove a truck through the bustling Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, killing 14 people. The suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, had visited the city twice before and even recorded videos of the area using high-tech glasses, according to the FBI. Authorities believe Jabbar, a 42-year-old former U.S. Army soldier, was inspired by the Islamic State group to carry out this horrific act.
The tragedy struck in the heart of New Orleans, a place known for its lively atmosphere and rich culture. On that fateful day, Jabbar crashed a rented pickup truck into a crowd. Police arrived quickly, and in an exchange of gunfire, they fatally shot him. Two officers were wounded in the shootout. Investigators later found that Jabbar had been wearing a ballistic vest and helmet during the attack.
Officials are convinced Jabbar acted alone, though they are digging deeper into his past connections, both in the United States and abroad. In a press briefing, Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia explained that no evidence points to any accomplices in the U.S., but authorities are looking into possible links overseas.
Jabbar had a troubling history of travel before the attack. He visited Cairo in the summer of 2023, followed by a trip to Ontario, Canada. FBI agents are working to uncover what he did during these trips and whether they had any connection to his New Orleans attack. Closer to home, he visited the city twice in the months leading up to the incident—once in October and again in November. During his October visit, he rode a bike through the French Quarter, secretly filming with Meta smart glasses to plan the attack.
On the day of the tragedy, Jabbar planted two explosive devices in the French Quarter hours before the truck attack. Fortunately, they were discovered and disabled by federal officials before they could detonate. One of the devices had been moved by a bystander who had no idea it was a bomb. Investigators found bomb-making materials in Jabbar’s Houston home, including RDX, a chemical compound often used in explosives.
Jabbar also posted online videos pledging allegiance to the Islamic State just hours before the attack. It was one of the deadliest IS-inspired assaults in the U.S. in years and highlighted a growing concern about homegrown violent extremism. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas described this incident as a painful reminder of the ongoing threat of both foreign and domestic terrorism.
The chaos on Bourbon Street has sparked questions about security measures in the city. In the past, New Orleans installed steel bollards to prevent vehicle attacks in the French Quarter, but these barriers were removed after wear and tear rendered them unreliable. Mayor LaToya Cantrell has since called for a full review to ensure new bollards can withstand future threats.
With major events like Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl on the horizon, city officials are doubling down on safety. Police have placed barricades at key intersections, and Mayor Cantrell has requested additional federal support to enhance security.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are expected to visit New Orleans to console grieving families. When asked about his message to the victims’ families, President Biden said he planned to offer personal words of comfort, drawing from his own experiences with loss.
Jabbar’s attack has left a deep scar on New Orleans, a city known for its resilience and joy. As investigators continue to piece together the story, the community is grappling with the aftermath of an act of terror in the heart of their vibrant city.