Driver ‘hell-bent on carnage’ kills 10, injures 30 on New Year’s Day in New Orleans


Law enforcement members work at the site where people were killed by a man driving a truck in an attack during New Year's celebrations, in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S., January 2, 2025. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

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	The suspect in a deadly attack on New Year's revelers in New Orleans has been identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S.-born citizen and U.S. Army veteran from Texas, according to the FBI. (FBI Photo)
	Update: Authorities are actively examining the suspect's motive, potential accomplices By Li Haung Tell Us USA News Network NEW ORLEANS - Law enforcement agencies are intensifying their investigation into the New Year’s Day attack on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street, where a pickup truck rammed through crowds, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more. The incident occurred in the early hours of January 1, and authorities have described it as a deliberate act of mass violence. Details of the Attack The suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, an Army veteran from Texas, drove a rented pickup truck around a parked police vehicle serving as a barricade and onto the crowded thoroughfare. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick confirmed that the suspect bypassed the police car by driving onto the sidewalk, exploiting a gap left while the city replaced security bollards ahead of the upcoming Super Bowl. Over a three-block stretch of Bourbon Street, Jabbar struck dozens of revelers, firing into the crowd from the vehicle. When the truck came to a halt after extensive damage, he exited with an assault rifle and continued shooting, according to police reports. Officers returned fire, fatally wounding Jabbar. Two officers sustained injuries—one by gunfire and another from being pinned by the truck. Investigation Developments FBI Assistant Special Agent Althea Duncan disclosed that investigators suspect Jabbar did not act alone. “We are aggressively pursuing all leads, including the involvement of known associates,” Duncan stated, urging the public to provide any relevant information about Jabbar’s activities in the preceding 72 hours. New Orleans officials, including NOPD Supt. Anne Kirkpatrick, speak to reporters after a reported terrorist attack on Bourbon Street early New Year's Day. By CHRIS GRANGER \| Staff photographer Searches related to the attack are underway in New Orleans and Houston. Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other weapons were found in Jabbar’s truck. Additional IEDs discovered in the French Quarter have been neutralized by authorities. Surveillance footage indicates that several individuals may have planted devices in advance, suggesting a coordinated effort. The FBI and local law enforcement are working to identify and apprehend these accomplices. Connection to Las Vegas Incident Authorities are also investigating a potential link between the New Orleans attack and an explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Las Vegas hotel. Both vehicles—the New Orleans pickup and the Cybertruck—were rented through the Turo app. The Las Vegas explosion, which is being treated as a possible act of terrorism, adds complexity to the ongoing investigation. Suspect’s Background President Joe Biden addressed the nation, condemning the “heinous act” and confirming Jabbar’s background as an Army veteran and a U.S.-born citizen. Jabbar’s recent social media activity, reviewed by law enforcement, revealed troubling statements. Videos allegedly recorded during his drive from Texas to Louisiana referenced a desire to harm family members and an admiration for ISIS. Victims and Community Impact Dr. Dwight McKenna, New Orleans Coroner, announced that 15 victims had died as of Wednesday afternoon. The identities of the deceased will be released following autopsies and notification of next of kin. Representative Troy Carter reported that 25 others remain hospitalized with injuries ranging from minor to critical. Ongoing Investigations Both the FBI and local law enforcement continue to process evidence and examine potential connections between the New Orleans and Las Vegas incidents. Meanwhile, public safety officials urge vigilance, emphasizing that any tips could prove invaluable in preventing future tragedies. This attack has cast a shadow over New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans and sparked renewed discussions about public safety and the threat of domestic terrorism in the United States. As the city mourns, efforts to uncover the full scope of the plot and bring any accomplices to justice remain a top priority.