A tragic attack unfolded in New Orleans when a U.S. Army veteran drove a pickup truck into a crowd celebrating New Year’s Eve, resulting in the deaths of 15 people. The driver, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar from Texas, claimed to be inspired by the Islamic State group, according to videos he posted before the incident. He was shot and killed by police after the attack.
The FBI is treating the incident as a terrorist act and is investigating to determine if Jabbar had any accomplices. Authorities discovered weapons and what appeared to be an improvised explosive device in the truck, which was adorned with the flag of the Islamic State group. Additional explosive devices were found in the city’s French Quarter.
President Joe Biden condemned the attack as a “despicable” act and expressed his condolences to the victims and their families. The violent act disrupted celebrations on Bourbon Street, creating a scene of chaos and terror. Dozens more were injured, and a college football playoff game at the nearby Superdome was postponed.
Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene as the truck plowed through the crowd, with bodies being thrown and people screaming in panic. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick labeled the attack not just a terrorist act but pure evil.
The driver bypassed police barricades meant to protect pedestrians and aimed to cause maximum harm, highlighting the vulnerability of public safety measures. Investigations revealed multiple devices, including two pipe bombs wired for remote detonation, though it remains unclear who assisted in planting them.
Jabbar, who served in the Army from 2007 to 2020, had transferred to the Army Reserve and deployed to Afghanistan. Police discovered a handgun and an AR-style rifle at the scene. There were also reports of explosions in other cities, and authorities are investigating potential connections between these events.
Local residents expressed shock and fear as the area remained an active crime scene. Despite the tragedy, some aspects of the city continued with a semblance of normalcy, but the impact of the attack has left deep scars on the community. Biden addressed the nation, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to combating all forms of violence and terrorism.
