Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the assailant behind this deadly New Year’s Day Bourbon Street attack in New Orleans, had planned the destruction on an even larger scale, the FBI said.
Attack Details and Immediate Aftermath:
On January 1, 2025, Jabbar drove his rented Ford F-150 Lightning truck into a crowd in the French Quarter, killing 14 and injuring over 35 others. The police shot and killed Jabbar shortly after the attack. Later, investigators discovered two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted in ice coolers at nearby locations in the district. The devices were connected to a remote detonator, which Jabbar had in his vehicle during the attack.
FBI Investigation and Findings:
The FBI confirms that Jabbar, born in Texas and a veteran of the Army, was completely motivated by ISIS. The flag of ISIS was discovered in his truck. Hours before carrying out the attack, he published videos on his Facebook stating support for the group and a preview of violence to be unleashed soon.
According to Christopher Raia, FBI deputy assistant director for counterterrorism, Jabbar’s actions were “100% inspired” by ISIS. A video showed that Jabbar belonged to the Islamic State and included his last will. He also mentioned earlier plans to attack his family, but he desisted because of fear of being misquoted in the media.
Evidence of Bomb-Making Materials and Radicalization:
Jabbar left his trailer home in North Houston saying that he was heading for New Orleans for a new job, but investigators later searched the house where FBI agents found bomb-making materials and chemical residues besides a Quran that had opened at a verse where it mentioned committing violence in the name of Allah. Other elements included radicalism were in his home with prayer rug and a keffiyeh.
EXCLUSIVE TOUR of the NOLA terrorists home—-
where we found a bomb-making station and a Quran open to a chilling passage about martyrdom @nyposthttps://t.co/LKV7npCOE5 pic.twitter.com/a1znIURjyM
— Jennie Taer 🎗️ (@JennieSTaer) January 2, 2025
Personal Background:
Jabbar was married thrice, with two children from one marriage, and his last marriage was also from the year 2022. Authorities continue their investigation of his personal life and motives.
The sad events in New Orleans reveal Jabbar’s dangerous radicalization and the possibility of attacks at a much bigger scale, raising concerns over the increasing ISIS-inspired people.
