UPDATE #1: The death toll has now risen to 15, according to authorities. The suspect, Jabbar, had served in the US Army from March 2007 to January 2015. In 2009/2010, he completed an 11-month tour in Afghanistan. Following his active duty, he continued to serve as a reserve until July 2020.
UPDATE #2 at 3:12 PM:
Law enforcement activity is currently underway in north Houston near the intersection of Hugh Road and Crescent Peak Drive. The FBI Houston and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office are leading this operation. As a precautionary measure, the authorities have established a secure perimeter and are urging residents to steer clear of the area. It is important to note that this activity is connected to the attack that took place in New Orleans. Regrettably, no additional details can be disclosed at this time due to the ongoing investigation.
Re-written post:
In the early hours of January 1, 2025, tragedy struck at the intersection of Bourbon and Canal streets in New Orleans. The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) swiftly responded to an alarming incident where a pickup truck plowed into a crowd of pedestrians, causing numerous fatalities and injuries. In a desperate turn of events, the suspected perpetrator opened fire on the responding officers, leading to their necessary action of fatally shooting the assailant.
At around 3:17 a.m., NOPD officers received reports of a vehicle striking pedestrians on Bourbon Street. Upon initial investigation, it was found that 10 victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while approximately 35 others sustained injuries. The injured individuals were promptly taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Currently, there are no updates available regarding their conditions.
After the crash, it is reported that the suspect got out of the vehicle and started shooting at the law enforcement officers. In response, the officers fired back and hit the suspect, causing his death at the scene. During the exchange of gunfire, two NOPD officers sustained injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital. Fortunately, they are in stable condition.
The authorities have identified the suspect as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas. He was driving a rented Ford pickup truck, and investigators are currently determining how he obtained the vehicle. Upon searching the truck, they found an ISIS flag, which has led the FBI to investigate the incident as a potential act of terrorism. Additionally, weapons and a possible improvised explosive device (IED) were discovered in the vehicle. In the French Quarter, more IEDs have been located, and FBI bomb technicians are collaborating with local law enforcement to evaluate and neutralize any viable devices.
The ongoing investigation is being led by the FBI, who are collaborating closely with the NOPD and other partners to establish the suspect’s associations and affiliations. All leads are being pursued diligently in order to identify any potential accomplices.
To ensure the progress of the investigation, it is recommended that the public steer clear of Bourbon Street spanning from Canal to Dumaine Streets, along with the adjacent areas encompassing Royal Street and Dauphine Street. This cautionary measure is in place as the scene is currently under investigation.
If you are trying to reach out to your loved ones who might have been in the vicinity during the incident, please contact 311. Remember, emergency calls should be made solely for immediate emergencies.
If you have any information or video footage of the incident, we urge you to share it with the FBI. They have established a digital tip line where you can submit your materials at www.fbi.gov/bourbonstreetattack. Alternatively, you can also contact them directly by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in helping them with their investigation.
List of victims (will be updated as more information becomes available)
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- Tiger Bech , aged 27, originally from Lafayette, LA. Bech was a former football player at STM , then at Princeton University.
- Reggie Hunter , aged 37, from Baton Rouge, LA. He was a warehouse manager and a father of two.
- Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux , aged 18, from Gulfport, MS. Graduated from Harrison Central High School in Gulf Port and was to start nursing program at Blue Cliff College this month. In a facebook post, her Mom said that she told Nikyra not to go out for New Year’s Eve.
- Nicole Perez , aged 28, from Metairie, LA. A mother of a four-year-old boy.