A devastating suspected terror attack in New Orleans early Wednesday claimed 15 lives and injured 35 others, some critically, after a pickup truck plowed through crowds celebrating New Year’s Eve on Bourbon Street.
The driver, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar of Texas, bypassed a police barricade on Canal Street at approximately 3:15 a.m. and drove through nearly three blocks before colliding with a lift vehicle near Conti Street. Jabbar was killed during a shootout with police, leaving two officers injured but in stable condition.
Weapons and a potential improvised explosive device (IED) were found in the truck, which also displayed an Islamic State flag, according to the FBI. Investigators believe Jabbar may not have acted alone and are pursuing leads on possible accomplices. Surveillance footage reportedly shows additional individuals placing an explosive device near the scene.
Among the victims identified were Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, 18, of Gulfport, Mississippi; Tiger Bech, 28, a Princeton University football alumnus; and Reggie Hunter, 37, a father of three from Baton Rouge.
Protective steel bollards, installed along Bourbon Street in 2017 to prevent such attacks, were not deployed due to ongoing replacements ahead of the upcoming Super Bowl. Police vehicles were stationed in their place, but Jabbar managed to maneuver onto the sidewalk to bypass the barriers.
Authorities have evacuated parts of the French Quarter as a precaution while bomb squad personnel conducted controlled detonations of additional suspected IEDs. A large portion of Bourbon Street remains closed, and hospitality workers are being turned away.
The Sugar Bowl, originally scheduled for Wednesday night, has been postponed by 24 hours. Security at the Superdome, which will host the Super Bowl in February, has been heightened.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has declared a state of emergency, mobilizing the National Guard to support the investigation. President-elect Donald Trump condemned the incident, describing it as “pure evil.”
Residents seeking information about loved ones in the area are urged to contact 311. The investigation remains ongoing as the city mourns the tragedy.
