In the early hours of January 1, 2025, New Orleans’ iconic French Quarter became the scene of a devastating attack that shattered the city’s festive spirit. A man, later identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, deliberately drove a rented Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 individuals and injuries to over 35 others.
The attack unfolded around 3:15 a.m. CST, as the bustling streets were filled with locals and tourists celebrating the New Year. Jabbar maneuvered the truck around police barricades, accelerating into the dense crowd along a three-block stretch between Canal and Conti streets. After crashing into an aerial work platform, he exited the vehicle armed with a .308 caliber rifle and a handgun, engaging in a shootout with responding police officers. Two officers sustained injuries before Jabbar was fatally shot.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is treating the incident as a potential act of terrorism. An Islamic State (ISIS) flag was discovered in Jabbar’s vehicle, and further investigation revealed pipe bombs inside coolers on Bourbon Street, rigged for detonation via a wireless remote found in the truck. Surveillance footage has led authorities to believe that Jabbar may not have acted alone, as multiple individuals were seen placing improvised explosive devices in the area.
Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran from Texas, served as a human resources and information technology specialist, including a deployment to Afghanistan in 2009. After an honorable discharge, he faced personal and financial difficulties, including two divorces and erratic behavior reported by acquaintances in recent months. He had converted to Islam, and investigators are exploring potential links to extremist ideologies.
The attack has had a profound impact on New Orleans, leading to the postponement of the College Football Playoff Sugar Bowl and prompting heightened security measures ahead of upcoming events, including Super Bowl LIX. The city’s tourism industry, still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, faces renewed challenges as authorities work to restore safety and confidence.
As the investigation continues, the FBI has established a tip line and is urging anyone with information to come forward. The community remains on high alert, with law enforcement agencies nationwide reassessing security protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.
This incident underscores the persistent threat of vehicle-ramming attacks and the importance of vigilance in public spaces. As New Orleans mourns the victims and supports the survivors, the resilience and unity of the community stand as a testament to the city’s enduring spirit.
New Orleans Truck Attack: Latest Updates
Associated Press, What we know about a vehicle attack on pedestrians in New Orleans that killed at least 15