A witness to the horrific New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans described the chaotic and surreal scene on Thursday during an interview on “Fox & Friends.” The attack, carried out by 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, claimed at least 15 lives and injured 35 when he drove his truck into a crowded intersection in the French Quarter.
Alex Birth-Mitchell, who witnessed the attack, captured video footage of the aftermath, showing victims lying on the street and bloodstains marking the tragic scene. Birth-Mitchell said he began recording to document the incident and reassure his family of his safety.
“It was honestly pretty surreal,” Birth-Mitchell recounted. “I took it because I felt like I didn’t know what was going on. I knew that something was still going on. It was just very stressful [and] hectic. I needed proof for my family to know that I was alive, and I also just wanted to show this is insane. I didn’t know what to do, honestly.”
Birth-Mitchell explained that a wristband allowing him quick reentry into a nearby club may have saved his life. He had reentered the club moments before the attack, a decision he believes spared him from injury or death.
“If I would have waited no more than a minute, I could’ve been out there hurt, injured, dead,” he said. “I’m lucky to be alive, but I also feel guilty that I couldn’t help or that other people didn’t make it out. On one hand, you’re happy; on the other hand, you feel terrible inside.”
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Jabbar, the suspect, was a Texas native and U.S. Army veteran. Authorities said he carried an ISIS flag and had weapons and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in his truck and at other locations in the French Quarter.
The FBI stated Wednesday that Jabbar is believed to have acted alone. Officials also clarified that there is currently no evidence linking the New Orleans attack to the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on the same day.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the attack or the suspect to come forward. Witnesses or individuals with footage or details are encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips at fbi.gov/bourbonstreetattack.
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