New Orleans Tragedy: Vehicle Attack Leaves Dozens Injured, 15 Dead
The start of 2025 in New Orleans was marred by tragedy. Early Wednesday morning, a vehicle driven by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a Texas native, plowed into a crowd celebrating New Year’s in the historic french Quarter, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and over 30 injuries. The incident shocked the city, still buzzing from the holiday festivities.
Details of the Attack
around 3:15 a.m. local time (9:15 a.m. GMT), Jabbar intentionally drove his vehicle into the revelers, according to New orleans Police Superintendent Anna Kirkpatrick. He then engaged police officers in a shootout, wounding two officers who are now recovering. Superintendent Kirkpatrick stated at a press conference, “He was steadfast to cause the carnage and damage he caused,” underscoring the horrific nature of the event.
Terrorism Investigation
The FBI’s involvement intensified when an Islamic State (IS) flag was discovered inside Jabbar’s vehicle. While authorities are actively investigating potential links to terrorist organizations, Special Agent Alethea Duncan clarified, “We are investigating possible links to terrorist groups,” emphasizing that the incident isn’t yet officially classified as a terrorist act. Adding to the complexity, investigators found a suspected improvised explosive device at the scene, currently undergoing analysis.
The Suspect
Jabbar, a U.S. citizen, died shortly after the attack, according to reports from CNN and NBC, citing police sources. Following the initial confrontation with law enforcement, he managed to briefly evade capture before succumbing to his injuries.
Reactions and Responses
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry described the attack as a “horrific act of violence.” President Joe biden issued a statement condemning the incident, declaring, “the United States will not tolerate attacks against its people.” he further emphasized, ”There is absolutely no justification for violence of any kind.” In a controversial response, former President Donald Trump linked the attack to illegal immigration, claiming on social media that crime in the contry is “at a level never seen before.” this assertion contradicts FBI data indicating a significant decrease in violent crime in recent years.
A City in Mourning
The French Quarter, renowned for its vibrant nightlife and rich history, was filled with New Year’s Eve celebrations when the attack occurred. witnesses recounted scenes of chaos as the van crashed through barriers, followed by the sound of gunfire.Nicole Mowrer, an eyewitness, shared her harrowing experience: “We heard gunshots and saw the police running in that direction. When the shooting stopped, we found many people injured. We tried to help as much as we could.”
New Orleans, a major tourist destination, had already implemented heightened security measures due to the celebrations and the upcoming Sugar Bowl. Despite these precautions, the attack underscores the ongoing challenges the city faces in ensuring public safety. The investigation continues, aiming to uncover the full circumstances and motives behind this devastating act of violence.
