NEW ORLEANS. A horrifying attack unfolded in the early hours of New Year’s Day as a driver, flying an ISIS flag from his truck, rammed into a crowd in New Orleans’ bustling French Quarter, killing 15 people and injuring about 30 others. Officials suspect that the attacker may have received help in carrying out the assault.
The suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. Army veteran from Texas who had served in Afghanistan, was killed in a shootout with police following the incident. The attack occurred around 3:15 a.m. near the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Streets, a historic area known for its vibrant music scene and bars, where revelers were celebrating the New Year.
Two police officers were among the injured, with one sustaining gunshot wounds from the suspect during the confrontation. Authorities described the attack as “deliberate and coordinated” and are now investigating potential links to terrorist organizations.
The FBI revealed that an ISIS flag was attached to the trailer hitch of the rented vehicle used in the attack. Investigators found weapons and a possible explosive device in the truck, along with two additional explosive devices in the French Quarter that were safely disarmed.
FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan stated, “We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible. We are aggressively running down every lead, including those of his known associates.” She added that the investigation is focusing on a “range of suspects” connected to Jabbar.
In light of the ongoing threat, officials postponed the annual Sugar Bowl, a major college football game traditionally held on New Year’s Day in New Orleans. The game between Notre Dame and Georgia has been rescheduled for Thursday afternoon as authorities continue to sweep parts of the city for possible explosive devices.
New Orleans is also set to host the NFL Super Bowl on February 9, prompting heightened security measures across the city.
The victims of the attack included individuals from different walks of life, highlighting the devastating human toll of the tragedy:
- A mother of a 4-year-old who had recently moved into a new apartment after a work promotion.
- A New York financial employee and accomplished student-athlete who had returned home for the holidays.
- An 18-year-old aspiring nurse from Mississippi.
Officials and community leaders have vowed to bring any accomplices to justice, as the city mourns the lives lost in this senseless act of violence.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
