A man identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar on Wednesday drove a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter, killing 10 people and injuring dozens more.
The attack, which occurred early on New Year’s Day, is being treated as an act of terrorism, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Authorities identified the driver as a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas. FBI Special Agent Alethea Duncan revealed during a news conference that a black ISIS flag was attached to the rear bumper of the rented Ford pickup truck.
“We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible,” Duncan stated, adding that investigators are exploring a “range of suspects” and have not ruled out any possibilities.
While the FBI is examining Jabbar’s potential ties to terrorist groups, no organisation, including ISIS, has claimed responsibility for the attack so far, according to sources familiar with the investigation.
According to CBS News, New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described Jabbar’s actions as “very intentional behaviour,” explaining that he bypassed barricades and drove through the crowded street with the intent to “run over as many people as he could.” After stopping the vehicle, Jabbar reportedly opened fire on responding officers.
Law enforcement said Jabbar was killed at the scene in an exchange of gunfire with three officers. Two officers sustained gunshot wounds but are in stable condition.
Further investigations uncovered weapons and potential improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Jabbar’s vehicle, as well as other IEDs within the French Quarter. Duncan confirmed that two devices have been rendered safe, while FBI technicians continue to examine others.
A long gun equipped with a suppressor was recovered at the scene, and sources confirmed that Jabbar was wearing body armour.
Officials also linked Jabbar to a rented Airbnb in New Orleans, which later caught fire under suspicious circumstances. Investigators are probing any connections between the blaze and the attack.
Authorities disclosed that Jabbar had previously served in the U.S. military. Duncan urged anyone with information about Jabbar or the incident to contact the FBI.
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