In the early hours of New Year’s Day, a tragic event unfolded on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street when a driver in a pickup truck plowed into a crowd. The incident left 10 people dead and over 30 injured, prompting the FBI to investigate it as a potential terrorist act.
Investigations have identified the driver as a 42-year-old man named Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar. The events took a grave turn when, after ramming into the revelers, Jabbar engaged in a shootout with police officers. He was ultimately killed during the confrontation. A photograph shared among law enforcement depicted Jabbar, beard and clad in camouflage, standing beside the vehicle just before his demise. Authorities also discovered an unfurled black flag with the truck, raising further concerns about the incident’s motives.
The aftermath has seen the Louisiana governor, Jeff Landry, urging people to avoid the French Quarter. On the social media platform X, Landry warned about the situation’s volatility, emphasizing the presence of tourists and the need for caution while the area remained under active investigation.
Security concerns have further extended to the Superdome, where a College Football Playoff game was scheduled. A lockdown was implemented for thorough security checks ahead of the evening match between Georgia and Notre Dame, though no delays were officially announced. People working in the vicinity, including officials from the Sugar Bowl and the Sun Belt Conference, were advised to stay away until further notice.
Law enforcement is meticulously examining the scene for any explosive devices. The FBI’s Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Alethea Duncan, acknowledged the investigation of at least one possible improvised explosive device located at the incident site. Extensive searches are underway as officials strive to secure the area and gather comprehensive insights into the motivations behind this devastating event.
As investigations continue into the New Orleans incident, the focus remains on uncovering the full scope and motive of this tragic act. Authorities are working diligently to ensure public safety while piecing together the circumstances leading to the attack. The community, meanwhile, watches anxiously, hoping for answers and justice.
Source: News4jax
