New Orleans tragedy: New Year’s Eve attack on Bourbon Street leaves 15 dead and above dozens injured in US

Thursday, January 2, 2025

A devastating New Year’s Eve attack on Bourbon Street left 15 dead and 35 injured after a suspect drove a rented pickup truck into a crowd, officials confirmed.

The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, was killed in a shootout with police after exiting the truck and opening fire with an assault rifle.

The attack, described as a terrorist act by New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, unfolded early Wednesday. Jabbar reportedly bypassed barricades and mowed down pedestrians across three blocks of the French Quarter while firing into the crowd. Two police officers were injured in the exchange of gunfire that followed.

Improvised explosive devices were discovered near the scene, prompting a citywide search for additional threats. The FBI, now leading the investigation, confirmed an ISIS flag and weapons were found in the suspect’s truck, and they are probing his possible connections to terror groups.

New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick stated the suspect was “hell-bent on creating carnage.” The truck, a Ford F-150 Lightning, was rented through a car-sharing app and was seen in Texas before heading to Louisiana.

President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump expressed their condolences and pledged federal support for the city. New Orleans law enforcement, supported by the FBI, continues to investigate whether Jabbar acted alone or had accomplices.

The attack has cast a shadow over New Year’s festivities in the city, though the annual Sugar Bowl is expected to proceed with increased security. Law enforcement agencies across the U.S. remain on high alert for similar threats as the investigation unfolds.

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