The FBI has released new details about Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the man responsible for the deadly terrorist attack on New Year's Day in New Orleans. Authorities stated that Jabbar acted alone in the attack on Bourbon Street, which resulted in the deaths of 14 people.
Jabbar had traveled to Cairo, Egypt, before flying to Ontario, Canada, and returning to the U.S. He also made multiple trips to New Orleans in the months leading up to the attack, recording video of Bourbon Street with Meta smart glasses. The FBI is investigating whether Jabbar had any associates in the U.S. or overseas, but currently, all evidence supports that he acted alone.
During the attack, Jabbar plowed a rented Ford pick-up truck through a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street, inspired by the Islamic State. Dozens were injured, and Jabbar was killed in a shootout with police. He had pledged allegiance to ISIS in online videos posted before the attack and was found with a black ISIS flag in the rented truck.
Jabbar also set a fire on Mandeville Street before carrying out the attack, possibly as a distraction. He purchased ice chests in Texas to hide IEDs, which he placed at two locations in New Orleans. However, he botched the detonation of the devices during the attack due to inexperience.
The New Orleans coroner's office has identified all 14 victims, with the youngest being 18 and the oldest 63. President Biden planned to visit New Orleans to grieve with the families and community affected by the tragic attack.