New Orleans [US]: US law enforcement officials have identified Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, as the primary suspect in the New Orleans car-ramming incident. Jabbar, a Texas resident and former member of the US military, carried out what authorities have classified as “an act of terrorism” on Bourbon Street during New Year’s celebrations.
Jabbar was found with an ISIS flag and multiple suspected explosive devices in his vehicle. He was shot and killed by officers at the scene, according to the New Orleans Police Department.
Statement from the FBI on the situation in New Orleans. pic.twitter.com/B3TskTJyUc
— FBI (@FBI) January 1, 2025
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which is leading the investigation, confirmed Jabbar’s background and detailed the attack in a statement on X (formerly Twitter):
“This morning, an individual drove a car into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing a number of people and injuring dozens of others. The subject then engaged with local law enforcement and is now deceased. The FBI is the lead investigative agency, and we are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism.”
US President Joe Biden condemned the attack in a statement from the White House:
“There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation’s communities.”
President Biden revealed that he has been receiving regular updates from senior federal law enforcement and homeland security officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall. The Mayor of New Orleans has also been in contact regarding the investigation.
Expressing his condolences, Biden added:
“My heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday. I will continue to receive updates throughout the day and provide further information as it becomes available.”
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full scope of the suspect’s actions and potential affiliations.