Federal and local authorities are intensifying their investigation into the devastating New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street, which claimed 15 lives and left around 30 people injured.
The FBI has identified the attacker as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran from Texas, who died in a shootout with police. Officials now believe Jabbar acted alone, revising earlier statements.
While the names of the 15 deceased have not been formally released, family and friends have begun sharing their stories of loss.
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Authorities are also examining potential connections between the New Orleans attack and an explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas earlier on New Year’s Day. A Tesla Cybertruck, loaded with fireworks and camp fuel canisters, exploded outside the hotel, killing the suspect inside the vehicle. Despite parallels, officials have not found a definitive link between the two events.
The FBI is urging anyone who was in the French Quarter during New Year’s Eve or early New Year’s Day to come forward, particularly those who might have seen improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted in the area. One such device, concealed inside a cooler, drew the attention of bystanders before the attack.
“We want to emphasize that we do not believe these individuals are involved in the attack in any way,” said FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia. “We simply need to speak to witnesses about what they saw to piece together the events leading up to this tragedy.”
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Witnesses or anyone with information are encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit digital tips at fbi.gov/bourbonstreetattack.
Progress on the Crime Scene
FBI evidence response teams completed their work on Bourbon Street early Wednesday morning, officially returning the site to the city. Mayor LaToya Cantrell commended law enforcement and federal agencies for their swift response and care for the victims.
“I walked through the scene myself last night. The impact of this tragedy is hard to put into words,” Mayor Cantrell said. “The removal and identification of the victims were carried out with reverence, ensuring families are informed and supported.”
The street was cleaned and reopened to the public ahead of the Allstate Sugar Bowl kickoff, showcasing New Orleans’ resilience and readiness to host large-scale events.
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ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson detailed the agency’s role, including deploying the National Response Team to analyze the IEDs. Additional tactical teams and explosive detection canines have been brought in to secure the city, ensuring safety during the Sugar Bowl and Mardi Gras celebrations.
“ATF’s victim assistance coordinators are working with the FBI and city officials to support those affected,” said Jackson. “These resources ensure the victims and their families receive care long after the investigation wraps up.”
Mayor Cantrell reassured residents and visitors of the city’s commitment to safety. “We are built to host, and we are ready,” she said. “The city of New Orleans is not only ready for game day but for all future events.”
Authorities are calling on anyone who may have had contact with Jabbar or observed unusual activity in New Orleans or Texas to provide information.
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“You may not think you have relevant information, but what you know could tie into one of our investigative leads,” Raia said.
As the investigation progresses, law enforcement remains committed to uncovering the truth, ensuring justice for the victims, and providing support to the grieving families.
PREVIOUS REPORT: In the tragic New Orleans terrorist attack early New Year’s Day, at least 15 people have now been confirmed killed and 35 others injured when a truck driven by Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, of Texas, plowed into crowds celebrating on Bourbon Street.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m., just hours before the highly anticipated Allstate Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome.
The FBI confirmed that Jabbar, a U.S.-born citizen and Army veteran, was the suspect behind the deadly attack, which they believe he did not carry out alone. Jabbar’s truck contained an ISIS flag, firearms, and explosives. Authorities are actively investigating potential accomplices, as video evidence reportedly shows three men and a woman placing explosives in the city.
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Updated Developments in the Investigation
Casualties and Injuries: The death toll stands at 15, with 35 others injured. Victims are being treated at local hospitals for injuries ranging from minor to severe.
Explosive Devices Rendered Safe: Two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found in the French Quarter and have been rendered safe by bomb squads. One device was reportedly placed between two law enforcement vehicles following the initial attack.
Suspect Details: Jabbar, originally from Texas, is described as a U.S. citizen and former Army veteran. The FBI is scrutinizing his recent activities and any potential connections to terrorist organizations.
Associates Investigated: Authorities are pursuing leads on three men and a woman captured on video placing explosives in New Orleans. The FBI is calling on anyone who had contact with Jabbar in the past 72 hours to come forward.
Emergency Response: More than 400 officers responded to the scene in the French Quarter, working swiftly to secure the area. An emergency declaration has been requested to support ongoing investigative and recovery efforts.
The area around Bourbon and Canal streets remains cordoned off as investigators work to piece together the sequence of events. The deceased have been removed from the scene, and residents are being urged to avoid the area while the investigation continues.
PREVIOUS REPORT: The suspect behind the deadly New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar of Houston, Texas, was shot and killed by police after a harrowing series of events that left 15 dead and dozens injured. Authorities revealed that Jabbar had an ISIS flag on the truck at the time of the attack.
Law enforcement recovered a Glock handgun and a .308 caliber rifle equipped with optics and a sensor from the scene. Additionally, multiple suspected explosive devices were found inside an ice chest in the pickup truck Jabbar used during the attack, according to a high-level source familiar with the investigation.
The truck involved, a white Ford F-150 Lightning electric vehicle, was rented through Turo, a peer-to-peer car rental platform. The vehicle’s registered owner, a Houston resident who previously worked at the dealership where the truck was sold.
The FBI is treating the attack as an “act of terrorism” and is investigating Jabbar’s potential ties to known terrorist organizations, as well as his political and religious affiliations. Authorities are also probing possible associates who may have been aware of or involved in planning the attack.
PREVIOUS REPORT: Federal authorities investigating the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans that left 10 dead and 35 injured have uncovered new information about the vehicle used in the incident. According to federal sources, the pickup truck was traced crossing into the United States at Eagle Pass, Texas, on November 16, 2024.
Law enforcement officials revealed that the truck’s Texas license plate was recorded by a reader at the Eagle Pass border crossing. However, it remains unclear whether the suspect, confirmed to be a man, was the individual driving the vehicle at the time of the crossing.
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David Spunt of Fox News reported, “We don’t 100 percent know that this man was driving when the vehicle crossed the border. What we do know is that the license plate was picked up by a reader at the border crossing, per two Federal law enforcement sources.”
President-elect Trump released a statement Wednesday on that attack, saying, “When I said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted by Democrats and the Fake News Media, but it turned out to be true. The crime rate in our country is at a level that nobody has ever seen before. Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department. The Trump Administration will fully support the City of New Orleans as they investigate and recover from this act of pure evil!”
Investigative teams are actively collecting forensic evidence at the scene, conducting interviews, and analyzing the suspect’s social media presence to uncover motives and connections.
RELATED: 10 Dead, 35 Injured In New Orleans As Driver Plows Into Crowd, Opens Fire On Police
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI are working alongside the Department of Justice on the investigation. DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Attorney General Merrick Garland have issued statements condemning the attack. President Joe Biden, who has been briefed on the situation, is expected to address the nation soon.
The discovery of the vehicle’s border crossing raises further questions about the suspect’s movements and potential international ties. Authorities are working to confirm the identity of the driver at the time of the border crossing, as well as any connections to organized groups or individuals in Mexico.
While investigators are cautious about releasing unverified details, the revelation of the truck’s border crossing adds a new layer of complexity to an already high-stakes investigation.
The FBI is expected to provide an update in the coming hours as the investigation progresses. Meanwhile, federal officials continue to gather and verify information to ensure the accuracy of their findings.
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