XMN NEWS UPDATE: New Orleans Terror Attack – Latest Developments
New Orleans, January 1, 2025 – Tragedy struck the heart of New Orleans early this morning as a horrific terror attack unfolded on the iconic Bourbon Street. The incident claimed the lives of at least 15 individuals and left dozens injured, casting a shadow over the city’s New Year’s celebrations.
What Happened: Shortly after 3:15 a.m. CST, a pickup truck deliberately drove into a crowd gathered on Bourbon Street. The driver, later identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar from Texas, then engaged in gunfire with local law enforcement before being killed at the scene. The FBI has confirmed the presence of an ISIS flag in the vehicle, leading them to investigate the attack as an “act of terrorism.”
Latest Updates:
- Death Toll and Injuries: The death toll has risen to 15, with at least 35 others injured. The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office anticipates it will take several days to identify all the victims.
- Suspect Background: Jabbar, a U.S. citizen and former Army veteran, had served in Afghanistan, adding a complex layer to the investigation regarding his motives and possible affiliations. The truck he used was reportedly rented, and it carried not only the ISIS flag but also automatic weapons and at least one viable explosive device.
- Explosives and Additional Suspects: Two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found and neutralized in the French Quarter, suggesting the attack might not have been the work of Jabbar alone. The FBI is now searching for additional suspects after video evidence showed three men and a woman allegedly placing explosives in the area.
- Security Measures: In response to the attack, security has been heightened in New Orleans and other cities, with mechanical barricades on Bourbon Street failing to prevent the tragedy as they were under replacement.
- Community and Official Response: New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the incident as “evil,” while Mayor LaToya Cantrell earlier referred to it as a terrorist attack before an FBI agent contradicted this label, stating it wasn’t classified as such at that point in the investigation.
- Event Postponement: The Sugar Bowl, a significant college football game, has been postponed to Thursday due to the attack, reflecting the city’s response to the violence.
Ongoing Investigation: The FBI, along with local law enforcement, is leading a comprehensive investigation into the motives behind this attack, Jabbar’s affiliations, and whether he acted alone or with a network. Attorney General Merrick Garland has promised that the Justice Department would deploy every resource available to this investigation.
Community Impact: The attack has left the New Orleans community in mourning, with many expressing solidarity and resilience. The city is grappling with how to move forward while ensuring such an event doesn’t happen again.
XMN News will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
