New Year’s Eve Celebrations Shattered by Terror Attack in French Quarter
USA: New Orleans witnessed a horrifying act of terrorism on New Year’s Eve when a man drove a pickup truck into a crowd of revellers in the city’s iconic French Quarter. The attack left 15 dead and 35 others injured, marring the festive celebrations with unspeakable tragedy. The perpetrator, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar from Houston, Texas, was shot dead by police after a deadly rampage that investigators are treating as a coordinated act of terror.
Jabbar’s rented white pickup truck, adorned with the flag of the Islamic State (ISIS), breached a police blockade on Bourbon Street, a bustling hub for New Year’s celebrations. Eyewitness accounts described scenes of chaos as the vehicle ploughed through the crowd, with Jabbar firing a rifle from the truck while donning body armour and a helmet.
Two police officers sustained injuries during an exchange of gunfire with Jabbar, who was ultimately neutralised by law enforcement. The aftermath revealed a cache of weapons and explosives, underscoring the calculated nature of the assault.
Explosive Devices and Multiple Threats
Investigators uncovered multiple explosive devices across the French Quarter. Near Bourbon and New Orleans streets, a pipe bomb packed with nails and suspected C4 was discovered in an ice chest. Surveillance footage initially suggested a group of individuals planted the device, but authorities later ruled them out as suspects.
A second similar device was found nearby, while a third potential explosive was located in a suitcase near North Rampart Street and Esplanade Avenue. Two of the devices were confirmed as pipe bombs wired for remote detonation, with a corresponding remote found in Jabbar’s truck. A fourth suspected device was deemed non-explosive after analysis.
Suspicions of Accomplices
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) believes Jabbar did not act alone. Surveillance footage revealed a second vehicle trailing the attacker’s truck, raising suspicions of accomplices. Both vehicles were linked to a Texas resident with ties to the New Orleans area, further fuelling concerns of a broader network.
Authorities also discovered bomb-making materials at Jabbar’s temporary residence in the St Roch neighbourhood, which had been deliberately set ablaze. The investigation quickly expanded to Houston, where law enforcement carried out operations linked to Jabbar.
A Troubled Individual
Shamsud-Din Jabbar’s background paints a complex picture. Born in Beaumont, Texas, he served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve for 13 years, including a deployment to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010. Jabbar transitioned to civilian life with a degree in computer information systems from Georgia State University and later joined Deloitte in a staff role.
However, his personal life was fraught with turmoil. Twice divorced, Jabbar had converted to Islam and reportedly exhibited increasingly erratic behaviour, leading his ex-wife and her new husband to restrict his contact with his children. These behavioural changes may have signalled the radicalisation that culminated in this horrific act.
Several Victims Identified
The New Orleans Coroner’s Office identified several victims of the attack, including:
- Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, 18, of Gulfport, Mississippi, who travelled with family to celebrate the New Year.
Reggie Hunter, 37, a father of two from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Tiger Bech, 27, a Lafayette native and former football player.
Nicole Perez, 28, a mother and delicatessen manager from Metairie, Louisiana.
Their lives, and those of the other unnamed victims, were tragically cut short in an act of senseless violence.
As New Orleans mourns, federal and local authorities are working tirelessly to unravel the network behind this attack. The city’s resilience will undoubtedly be tested, but the determination to uphold its vibrant culture and protect its citizens remains steadfast.
This attack serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by extremist ideologies, as well as the ongoing global threat of Vehicle-as-a-Weapon (VAW) attacks, following the horrific attack on the Magdeburg Christmas market in Germany recently. Enhanced vigilance, a focus on Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) systems and continued community cooperation will be vital in preventing similar tragedies in the future.