A deadly New Year’s Eve attack in New Orleans’ French Quarter has left 15 dead and 30 injured, with the FBI investigating possible links to ISIS.
At a Glance
- Suspect Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 15 and injuring 30
- FBI investigating as potential terrorism, with ISIS flag found in suspect’s vehicle
- President Biden revealed suspect posted ISIS-inspired videos before the attack
- Incident occurred during New Year’s Eve celebrations in New Orleans’ French Quarter
- FBI warns of elevated international terrorism threat, partly due to Israel-Hamas conflict
Terror Strikes New Orleans on New Year’s Eve
In a shocking turn of events, New Orleans’ iconic Bourbon Street became the scene of a horrific attack on New Year’s Eve. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Houston resident, allegedly drove a rented truck into a crowd of revelers, resulting in the deaths of 15 people and leaving 30 others injured. The incident, which occurred during the height of holiday celebrations, has sent shockwaves through the nation and raised serious concerns about domestic terrorism.
President Joe Biden addressed the nation, revealing disturbing details about the attack. According to the President, the FBI reported that Jabbar had posted videos on social media just hours before the attack, indicating his inspiration from ISIS. This revelation has elevated the incident from a tragic accident to a potential act of terrorism, prompting a full-scale investigation by federal authorities.
Evidence Points to Terrorist Motivations
The discovery of an ISIS flag in Jabbar’s rental vehicle has further strengthened suspicions of terrorist involvement. Law enforcement officials also found weapons and what appeared to be an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the truck, suggesting a level of planning and potential for even greater devastation. These findings have led the FBI to treat the incident as an act of terrorism, with possible connections to foreign terrorist groups being explored.
The attack’s timing during New Year’s Eve celebrations and its location in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter have raised questions about the security measures in place for large public gatherings. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the white truck plowed through barriers and into the crowd at high speed, followed by gunfire from the vehicle.
Law Enforcement Response and Ongoing Investigation
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick condemned the attack in no uncertain terms. “This is not just an act of terrorism. This is evil,” Kirkpatrick stated, reflecting the sentiments of many shocked by the brutality of the incident. The police response was swift, with officers engaging the suspect and ultimately stopping the attack, though not before significant loss of life.
The FBI’s investigation is ongoing, with agents working to uncover any possible connections, associations, or co-conspirators. The agency has warned of an elevated international terrorism threat, partly due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. This attack, noted as the deadliest ISIS-inspired assault on U.S. soil in recent years, has heightened concerns about the potential for further terrorist activities.
