Army Veteran Behind New Orleans Attack That Killed 15, FBI Links to ISIS

Fifteen individuals have lost their lives, and at least 35 others have sustained injuries following a tragic incident involving Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who executed a violent attack in New Orleans amidst New Year’s festivities. The FBI has connected the attack to motivations derived from the Islamic State group (ISIS).

At 3:15 a.m., Jabbar drove a rented Ford F-150 Lightning onto the bustling Bourbon Street pavement, evading a police car before crashing into pedestrians. Surveillance footage reveals that the attack was intentional, with New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick characterizing Jabbar as "hell-bent on creating carnage."

Jabbar, 42, a Texas resident and former Army serviceman, opened fire during the attack, injuring two officers before being fatally shot by police. A flag associated with ISIS was discovered in his vehicle, and investigators revealed that he had uploaded videos just hours prior to the attack, expressing his loyalty to the organization.

President Joe Biden has confirmed that the FBI is looking into possible connections Jabbar may have had with terrorist organizations. Nearby, improvised explosive devices were found, and a suppressed long gun was retrieved from the scene.

Jabbar served in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010 and subsequently pursued a diverse career in human resources, IT, and real estate after his military service. He completed his studies at Georgia State University in 2017 and has a criminal record related to traffic offenses and theft.

The assault interrupted the vibrant atmosphere of New Orleans’ French Quarter and delayed the Sugar Bowl celebrations planned in the vicinity. Communities in Louisiana and Texas are grieving the tragic loss, as questions emerge regarding Jabbar’s radicalization and potential warning signs.

The rented vehicle, an electric pickup obtained through Turo, is currently under scrutiny as investigators work to assemble the facts surrounding the unfortunate incident.

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