New Orleans New Year’s Attack Leaves 15 Dead, FBI Uncovers Weapons and Explosives

A pickup truck attack in New Orleans left 15 dead and over 30 injured during New Year celebrations. The FBI found guns, pipe bombs, and an ISIS flag in the suspect’s vehicle. The attacker, Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, is believed to have had accomplices, prompting ongoing investigations.

New Orleans’ iconic Bourbon Street turned into a scene of terror on New Year’s Day when a pickup truck rammed through a crowd, killing 15 people and injuring over 30 others. The FBI is treating the incident as an act of terrorism, with investigations revealing potential ties to extremist organizations.

The attacker, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, a US citizen and Army veteran from Texas, drove past police blockades during the city’s festivities. Crowds had gathered for the celebrations and the upcoming Sugar Bowl game, which was subsequently postponed. The attack occurred at 3:15 am local time.

In the aftermath, the FBI recovered several pipe bombs, firearms, and an Islamic State (ISIS) flag from Jabbar’s vehicle. According to Louisiana State Police, the explosives were concealed inside coolers and could be detonated remotely. Surveillance footage showed multiple suspects planting additional explosive devices around the French Quarter.

The FBI suspects Jabbar did not act alone. Assistant Special Agent Alethea Duncan indicated that investigations are ongoing to identify Jabbar’s potential accomplices. New Orleans Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick described Jabbar’s actions as a deliberate attempt to inflict mass casualties.

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This attack highlights the rising threat of vehicle-based terrorism, echoing past incidents such as the Christmas market attack in Magdeburg, Germany, last month. Law enforcement agencies remain on high alert as the city begins its recovery from the devastating assault.