A man “desperate to cause a massacre” He drove a pickup truck at full speed into a crowd celebrating New Year’s in New Orleans on Wednesday, killing 15 people and injuring more than 35 before being shot dead by police.
The incident occurred around 3:00 in the afternoon (local time) in the heart of the famous French Quarter of this United States city, which was full of people celebrating the arrival of 2025.
The FBI identified the attacker as Shamsud Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old former military man living in Texas. He was a real estate agent in Houston and was a computer specialist in the military for 10 years. The suspect published videos hours before the attack in which he claimed to act “inspired” by the Islamic State, US President Joe Biden reported on Wednesday.
“The FBI has also informed me that just a few hours before the attack he published videos on social networks in which he indicated that he was inspired by ISIS,” said the president of the United States, Joe Biden, using that acronym to name the armed group Islamic State.
“This man, the perpetrator, shot at our agents from the vehicle when he crashed it. Two police officers were shot. “They are stable,” Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said in a press conference, assuring that the attacker “tried to run over as many people as possible.” “He was determined to cause the massacre and the damage it caused,” he added.
The FBI, which assumed operational command of the investigations, indicated that the incident is being analyzed as a possible terrorist act and confirmed the death of the attacker..
“A man drove a vehicle into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing several people and injuring dozens more. The subject exchanged shots with the police and is now dead. “The FBI is conducting the investigation under the hypothesis of a terrorist act,” that federal agency said in a statement.
President-elect Donald Trump, for his part, linked the incident to irregular immigration.
“I said that the criminals who are arriving are much worse than those we have in the country (…) and it ended up being true,” he wrote on social networks before the identity of the attacker was known.
He also added that the country’s crime rate “is at a level never seen before,” although, according to the FBI, violent crimes have decreased drastically.
Meanwhile, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry described the incident as a “horrible act of violence.”
The New Orleans attack occurred just ten days after a similar attack in the city of Magdeburg, in eastern Germany.in which five people died and more than 200 were injured.
A suspected improvised explosive device was found at the scene, the FBI reported.
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“We are working to confirm whether this is a viable device or not,” Special Agent Alethea Duncan said at a press conference.
In the early hours of the year, the area was bustling with people celebrating in the French Quarter, a district famous for its bars, restaurants and jazz history.
According to witnesses told CBS, a high-speed vehicle plowed into the crowd just before its driver jumped to the ground and began firing a gun, while police returned fire.
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A white van crashed through a barricade “at high speed.” “Once he passed us, we heard gunshots and saw police running in that direction.”Nicole Mowrer told CBS.
“When the shooting stopped, we went out into the street and found many people who had been hit.. (We wanted) to see what we could do to help,” he added.
New Orleans is one of the most visited destinations in the United States and the incident occurred shortly before the city hosts an important American football game, known as the Sugar Bowl, in which teams from the University of Georgia and Notre Dame participate.
According to municipal authorities, Surveillance was intense during the New Year, as the city prepared to welcome crowds.
The local police department had announced “100 percent staffing, with an additional 300 officers,” including on horseback and using unmarked units.
The iconic French Quarter posted special offers for the New Year, including LGBTQ parties and a drag cabaret near where the incident took place.
New orleans Attack: Massacre Inspired by ISIS Claims 15 Lives
In a horrific incident on New Year’s Day 2025, a former U.S.military member drove a vehicle into a crowded street in new Orleans’ French Quarter, killing 15 and injuring dozens more before being fatally shot by police. Authorities are treating the attack as a potential act of terrorism after the suspect, Shamsud Din Jabbar, apparently posted videos online expressing allegiance to the Islamic State.
Senior Editor, World-Today News: Dr. Maya Gonzalez, thank you for joining us to discuss this tragic event. You’ve spent years studying extremist ideologies and terrorism, what are some initial thoughts that come to mind following this attack?
Dr. Maya Gonzalez: This is a deeply disturbing event, and my heart goes out to the victims and their families. While investigations are ongoing, the alleged attacker’s claimed inspiration by ISIS is deeply concerning. Unfortunately, this incident highlights the global reach of extremist propaganda and its ability to incite violence even among individuals seemingly unconnected to larger terrorist networks.
Senior Editor: The suspect,Shamsud Din Jabbar,was a 42-year-old former military man and real estate agent living in Texas. Does this profile fit with any common characteristics of individuals drawn to extremist groups?
Dr. Gonzalez: Ther’s no single profile of someone susceptible to radicalization. While military backgrounds can sometimes be a factor due to exposure to ideology and weapons training, it’s critically important to remember that the vast majority of veterans are patriotic and law-abiding citizens.What often plays a role is a sense of isolation, alienation, or personal crisis, coupled with exposure to extremist narratives online that offer a distorted sense of belonging and purpose.
Senior Editor: The attack took place in a densely populated area just hours into the New Year. Has there been an increase in attacks targeting large public gatherings in recent years?
Dr. Gonzalez: Sadly, yes. Crowds and holidays have become increasingly targeted by extremist groups seeking maximum casualties and psychological impact. Thes attacks aim to sow fear and division within society.It’s essential that security measures and public awareness initiatives adapt to this evolving threat.
Senior Editor: What can be done to counter the spread of extremist ideology online?
Dr. Gonzalez: This is a complex challenge requiring a multi-faceted approach.Tech companies need to take a more proactive role in removing extremist content and identifying users promoting violence. Governments need to invest in counter-narrative strategies, promoting positive messages and countering extremist propaganda. Importantly,communities must work together to identify and support individuals at risk of radicalization before they are drawn into violent extremism.
Senior Editor: Dr. Gonzalez, thank you for providing your valuable insights on this tragedy.
