January 1, 2025
This is not just an act of terrorism. This is evil.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick on a mass murder that occurred in one of the city’s most famous and busy neighborhoods in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
Why It Matters: A suspect killed 14 people and injured more than 30 others in a murderous rampage on a historic street in one of America’s most prominent cities. Police shot and killed the suspect, who also injured two members of law enforcement (who both survived but remain hospitalized).
Who: Texan-born and raised Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, an Army veteran: “The killer was an American citizen born in Texas … mere hours before the attack he posted videos on social media indicating he was inspired by ISIS, expressing a desire to kill.” (President Biden)
What: The suspect used a rented truck to drive through the crowded streets of New Orleans’ popular tourist area, busy from festivities of New Year’s Eve.
When: Just after 3 a.m. in the morning on New Year’s Day ~ approximately 3:17 a.m.
Where: Bourbon Street, in the popular French Quarter historic district of New Orleans – a famous location for Mardi Gras parades and celebrations.
How: The attack consisted of using the vehicle as a deadly weapon; the suspect also fired a weapon at police. The FBI also mentioned improvised explosive devices on and around the scene of the crime.
“Investigators found multiple improvised explosives, including two pipe bombs that were concealed within coolers and wired for remote detonation, according to a Louisiana State Police intelligence bulletin obtained by The Associated Press.”
Why: Motive remains TBD but the FBI continues to investigate this crime as a terrorist attack; in the early stages of this investigation, they do not believe the driver acted alone.
What We’ll Watch For: Many questions remain regarding this developing story. Here are a few of the key questions at this time: If indeed confirmed as a terrorist attack, was the driver communicating with members of ISIS or inspired independently by the ideology and acting alone? Is there a broader international link to the larger terrorist network? Who did he allegedly conspire with? Where are they? Was he on a “watch list” or on the radar of any local law enforcement?
Read More: NOPD Responds to Fatal Traffic Crash in Eighth District Involving Multiple Victims (New Orleans Police Department Bulletin)
FBI Update on Bourbon Street Terrorist Attack (FBI)
Islamic State-inspired driver expressed desire to kill before deadly New Orleans rampage, Biden says (The Associated Press)
The Descent of an Army Vet Turned Corporate Consultant Named in the New Year’s Attack (The Wall Street Journal)
Statement by President Joe Biden (White House)
by Jenna Lee, Founder of SmartHER News
