Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Houston Army veteran, drove a truck into a New Orleans crowd, killing 15 and injuring scores. The FBI links him to ISIS.
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Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a native of Houston and an Army veteran, has been identified by the FBI as the driver linked to a fatal terror attack in New Orleans during the New Year’s celebrations. Early Wednesday morning, Jabbar drove a rented pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, resulting in 15 fatalities and numerous injuries.
At 3:15 a.m., the attack erupted, plunging the French Quarter into turmoil. Observers characterized the situation as both surreal and chaotic. “People began to scatter in all directions,” remarked Lance McCurley, who witnessed the event.
Jabbar, a father who had been divorced twice and resided in north Harris County, Texas, lost his life in a gunfight with law enforcement shortly after the attack. In the course of the confrontation, Jabbar discharged his weapon at police, resulting in injuries to two officers.
The FBI reports that Jabbar created a series of videos before the attack, expressing his allegiance to ISIS. Authorities also found an ISIS flag in his vehicle.
The vehicle involved in the attack was rented via Turo, a platform for car-sharing. Authorities are currently examining Jabbar’s digital footprint and links to ISIS to gain a clearer insight into his motivations.
The incident took place under a mile from the venue of the Sugar Bowl game, raising public safety issues and leading to the event's postponement.
As investigations proceed, the communities of Houston and New Orleans are left to confront the tragedy. Questions remain regarding Jabbar’s radicalization and whether any warning signs were overlooked before the attack.
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