Deadly New Year’s attack in New Orleans
Deadly New Year’s attack in New Orleans In the early hours of New Year’s Day, a horrifying attack in New Orleans’ French Quarter resulted in a devastating tragedy. A man drove a pickup truck into a crowd before opening fire on bystanders. The attack claimed the lives of at least 15 people and left dozens injured. The assailant was neutralized in a gunfight with the police. This tragic event turned the New Year celebrations into a wave of sorrow and shock for the city.
Officials have described the horrific incident in New Orleans as a deliberate attack, identifying the assailant as a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran from Texas, with an ISIS flag found in his truck. The FBI is investigating the attack as a potential act of terrorism. In a brief statement to reporters at Camp David, President Biden revealed that the FBI informed him that just hours before the attack, the suspect had posted videos on social media indicating he was inspired by ISIS. This revelation has heightened concerns that the incident may be a terror-related attack.
Deadly New Year’s attack in New Orleans
At around 3:15 a.m. on Wednesday morning, the attacker drove a truck past a police vehicle blocking Bourbon Street and proceeded down the street, striking numerous pedestrians along the way. After the truck came to a stop, the attacker opened fire on the crowd. In a gunfight with police, the attacker was neutralized. Officials reported that two police officers were among those injured in the attack. This horrifying incident turned New Year’s celebrations into chaos, leaving the area in deep sorrow.
New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick, during a press conference on Wednesday, emphasized the brutality of the attack, stating, “This individual was determined to create chaos by targeting as many people as possible. His goal was to cause maximum loss of life and leave behind widespread destruction,” highlighting the deliberate and merciless nature of the act.
Investigators revealed that they found objects resembling improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the attacker’s truck and are analyzing whether the devices were functional. It remains unclear whether any of these devices were detonated.
FBI official Alethea Duncan commented on the possibility of an ongoing threat following the attack, stating, “Our agents are meticulously investigating all leads to ensure there is no further danger.” Duncan also emphasized that the incident is being thoroughly examined and that all necessary precautions are being taken to safeguard public safety.
The perpetrator of the truck attack on Bourbon Street was identified by the FBI as Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas. Officials reported that Jabbar’s truck carried an ISIS flag and contained weapons and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Additionally, potential bombs were discovered at various locations in the French Quarter. This information has heightened concerns that the incident may have been a planned terrorist attack.
Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar was a U.S. Army veteran with eight years of service. According to military officials, Jabbar was deployed to Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010. He left active duty in January 2015, transferring to the Army Reserve, and eventually exited as a reserve officer in July 2020.
These details provide a significant perspective on Jabbar’s background, shedding light on possible motivations and the broader implications of the attack. The tragedy raises questions about the individual’s past experiences and potential challenges, while also underscoring the need for deeper analysis and understanding to ensure public safety.
In a 2020 YouTube video believed to be uploaded by Jabbar, he spoke positively about his post-military career. He highlighted his skills in the real estate sector and mentioned that he was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas, where he spent most of his life.
“Aside from military travels, I’ve lived here all my life,” Jabbar stated in the video. He noted that he served in the armed forces for 10 years, working as a human resources specialist and an information technology specialist. In the video, he emphasized his professional experiences and how his military background contributed to his civilian career. These remarks provide further insight into Jabbar’s life and may help in understanding his connection to the attack.
The massacre, which deeply shook the region, occurred at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Streets in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans, a key hub of Louisiana’s tourism industry and a vital driver of the state’s economy. The attack took place in one of the city’s busiest and most popular areas, and it was noted that a section of Bourbon Street where the attacker struck lacked the security barriers typically used to prevent vehicles from hitting pedestrians.
Officials stated that these barriers had been temporarily removed for repairs in preparation for the upcoming Super Bowl. This tragic incident has raised serious concerns about the adequacy of security measures in the area, sparking significant unease among both the tourism sector and local residents.
New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick revealed that the attacker drove onto the sidewalk to bypass security barriers and a parked police vehicle. Kirkpatrick emphasized that this act demonstrated the attacker’s determination and further highlighted the deliberate and calculated nature of the attack.
Bourbon Street, renowned for vibrant festivals like Mardi Gras and year-round parties, is a globally recognized destination that attracts tourists from all over the world. New Orleans City Council Member Oliver Thomas, speaking after the attack, stated, “This is one of the world’s most iconic cities and one of its most famous streets. Bourbon Street is not just a street—it’s a symbol of New Orleans’ spirit and cultural heritage,” underscoring the profound impact of the tragedy on the area.
“When you think about this attack, it’s not just a message to New Orleans. It’s a message to America. This event reflects the current global environment and the world we live in today,” Thomas added.
Authorities urged the public to avoid approximately half a mile of Bourbon Street on Wednesday morning as the FBI investigation continued. This advisory was issued to ensure the safety of the area and allow the investigation to proceed smoothly.
Sugar Bowl General Manager Jeff Hundley announced during a press conference on Wednesday that the game between Notre Dame and the University of Georgia, originally scheduled for that evening, had been postponed for 24 hours due to security concerns. The rescheduled game is set to begin on Thursday at 3:00 PM local time (4:00 PM Eastern Time). Hundley also stated that the Superdome would remain closed until that time. Bomb-sniffing dogs conducted a thorough sweep of the venue to ensure the area was completely secure before the game.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry declared that flags would be lowered to half-staff during the game to honor the victims and pay respects. Landry emphasized that this gesture was intended to express the deep sorrow caused by the tragedy and to serve as a tribute to those who lost their lives.
Kaynak: The Newyork Times
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