The French Quarter witnessed a grim start to the new year when a man drove a pickup truck into throngs of revellers early on Wednesday, killing 15 and injuring scores near Bourbon Street.
The suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, a 42-year-old Army veteran from Texas, was shot dead by police after a chaotic gun battle.
Authorities discovered an Islamic State flag, weapons, and a suspected explosive device in the vehicle, raising alarms over potential international terrorist connections.
The attack occurred shortly after 3 am, with police confirming that two officers were injured during the shootout.
Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick acknowledged lapses in security owing to temporary arrangements. “We had precautions in place, but the terrorist found a way to exploit a gap,” she remarked.
The incident has been labelled one of the most severe acts of violence in the city’s recent history.
It has prompted the postponement of the Sugar Bowl, initially scheduled at the Superdome for Wednesday, to Thursday, while officials scramble to reassure the public.
Federal investigators are now delving into Jabbar’s motives and possible ties to the Islamic State.
Alethea Duncan, Assistant Special Agent with the FBI, said, “This investigation is moving swiftly, and we’re pursuing every lead.”
The attack has cast a shadow over the city’s vibrant French Quarter, a hub of tourism and culture.
US President Joe Biden condemned the attack, calling it a "despicable act," while confirming ongoing investigations into potential links between the New Orleans assault and a separate incident in Las Vegas involving a Tesla truck fire near the Trump International Hotel.
"Jabbar spoke in his videos about dreams of joining ISIS and initially intended to harm his family before altering his plans," Biden said, citing FBI findings.
Jabbar, who had served as a staff sergeant in Afghanistan and worked in real estate, is being investigated for possible accomplices.
An FBI official noted, “We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible. We are aggressively running down every lead, including those of his known associates.”
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