The New Year’s car-ramming and shooting left 15 dead and dozens injured as the authorities search for possible accomplices
The US federal authorities are investigating the attack in New Orleans, Louisiana as an “ act of terrorism,”
How the attack unfolded
Chaos erupted in New Orleans’ iconic French Quarter at around 3:15am on January 1, 2025, when revelers celebrating New Year’s Day on Bourbon Street were struck by a white Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck that plowed through the densely packed crowd.
Victims and casualties
The attack resulted in 15 deaths, including the suspect. Twelve victims died at the scene, while three others succumbed to their injuries at local hospitals. Among the deceased were a mix of locals and tourists gathered for New Year’s celebrations.
‘ISIS-Inspired’ US Army veteran
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the suspect in the attack, was a US Army veteran who served from 2007 to 2015 on active duty and continued in the Army Reserve until 2020. He was deployed to Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010 and held the rank of staff sergeant at the time of his discharge.
Search for suspected accomplices
The authorities believe Jabbar may not have acted alone. The FBI has found evidence suggesting coordination, including pipe bombs reportedly linked to a wireless detonator found in Jabbar’s truck.
Possible links to Cybertruck blast
“possible connection,” according to Biden, who cautioned the public against drawing premature conclusions.