Fifteen people were killed, and dozens injured when a U.S. Army veteran drove a truck into New Year’s revelers in New Orleans. The attack, which unfolded on Bourbon Street, has been linked to the Islamic State (IS) group.
The suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, posted videos online hours before the rampage, pledging allegiance to IS and expressing a desire to kill.
Authorities described the incident as the deadliest IS-inspired assault on U.S. soil in recent years.
“We grieve with the victims and their families,” said President Joe Biden. “This was a despicable act of terror.”
The attack shattered celebrations in the French Quarter, turning a festive night into chaos. Witnesses described bodies strewn across the street and panicked crowds fleeing into nearby clubs and restaurants.
“Bodies were flying into the air like in a movie,” said 18-year-old Zion Parsons, whose friend, Nikyra Dedeaux, was among those killed.
The truck, adorned with the IS flag, crashed through a police barricade before the driver opened fire on responding officers. Jabbar was killed by police in the exchange, which left two officers injured but in stable condition.
Explosives and Alarming Connections
The FBI revealed that Jabbar’s vehicle contained multiple weapons and explosives, including pipe bombs wired for remote detonation. Surveillance footage reportedly showed other individuals planting devices nearby, though their identities remain unknown.
“We believe Jabbar did not act alone,” FBI Assistant Special Agent Alethea Duncan said in a report by The Associated Press. Investigations are ongoing to uncover potential connections to organized terrorist networks.
Jabbar, a Texas native, served in the U.S. Army from 2007 to 2020, including a deployment to Afghanistan. Authorities are exploring whether his military background influenced his methods or motivations.
“This is not just terrorism—it’s pure evil,” said New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick. “He was determined to inflict maximum carnage.”
A City in Mourning
New Orleans remains in shock. The French Quarter, synonymous with joy and music, is now marked by grief and sorrow. Governor Jeff Landry has urged residents to avoid the area as investigations continue.
“This is not what we fell in love with,” said Tessa Cundiff, a local resident. “It’s heartbreaking.”
President Biden pledged support for the victims and vowed to combat terrorism on U.S. soil. “We will not tolerate any attack on our communities,” he said.
The attack serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism. Authorities have urged vigilance as they work to uncover the full scope of the tragedy.
