In a shocking New Year’s Day incident, a driver in New Orleans drove a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, resulting in ten fatalities and over 30 injuries. The FBI considers this a potential act of terrorism and is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying possible accomplices.
The FBI has identified the driver as Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas. Following the attack, Jabbar was involved in a confrontation with police and was subsequently killed.
Authorities discovered an Islamic State flag within the vehicle, raising concerns about Jabbar’s potential links to terrorist organizations. The investigation seeks to uncover any connections with extremist groups, as stated by FBI officials.
Law enforcement is examining Jabbar’s background and any affiliations he may have had. Pictures circulated among officials showed Jabbar in camouflage, posing next to the truck following the incident.
The attack has not only led to a detailed investigation but has also prompted Louisiana’s Governor Jeff Landry to urge the public to avoid the French Quarter due to the active investigation. The security situation remains fluid, with officials prioritizing safety and evidence gathering.
In light of the incident, the Superdome in New Orleans is under lockdown for security sweeps, impacting activities scheduled for the venue, including the Sugar Bowl. At this time, however, no changes to the event’s schedule have been announced.
FBI Assistant Special Agent Alethea Duncan highlighted that at least one suspected improvised explosive device is under investigation at the scene, indicating the severity of the potential threat associated with the attack.
The New Orleans attack has left the city in shock, and the FBI’s investigation is ongoing. With authorities calling on the public for any information that might aid in their examination of this tragic event, the focus remains on ensuring safety and uncovering any further threats.
Source: Wsvn