Police have identified the suspect behind the terrifying attack on New Year’s Eve revellers in New Orleans, which resulted in the deaths of ten people when a car was driven into a crowd.
Earlier today, as individuals were ringing in 2025, an SUV barrelled into those celebrating. Ten people lost their lives and another 35 were injured, in what the mayor has labelled a terrorist attack.
The FBI has named the suspect as US citizen Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who is alleged to have been carrying an ISIS flag at the time of the attack. After crashing the car, he reportedly exited the vehicle and opened fire on nearby police officers.
Two officers were injured before Jabbar – a decade-long veteran of the US military – was fatally shot by police.
For the latest updates on the incident in New Orleans, follow our live blog, reports the Mirror.
FBI investigators arrive at the scene
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The vehicle involved in the horrific incident was traced back to the 42 year old, and the FBI is reportedly investigating him for potential ISIS connections. Jabbar’s car is registered in Houston, Texas, and had crossed the US-Mexico border just two days prior.
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American-born Jabbar, originally from Beaumont, Texas before relocating to Houston, mentioned in a YouTube video that he served in the military for ten years as a human resources specialist. He listed one of his roles as ‘technology operations manager’ in the US Army Reserve.
The 42 year old previously worked as a real estate agent. Jabbar’s past encounters with law enforcement include an arrest for theft in Texas in 2002 and driving with an invalid license in the same state in 2005.
Police have also alleged that explosive devices were found in Jabbar’s possession. The FBI is still investigating the terrifying incident.
(Image: Getty Images)
In a statement, the FBI said: “An ISIS flag was located in the vehicle and the FBI is working to determine the subject’s potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organisations. Other potential IEDs were also located in the French Quarter.”
“The FBI’s Special Agent Bomb Technicians are working with our law enforcement partners to determine if any of these devices are viable and they will work to render those devices safe.”
Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick commented on the attacker, saying: “He was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did.”
“It was very intentional behaviour. This man was trying to run over as many people as he could.”
The attack took place overnight at the intersection of Bourbon Street, renowned for its numerous bars and clubs, and Iberville at around 3.15am local time in New Orleans, Louisiana. Multiple people were seen lying injured on the ground.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell confirmed the incident was a “terrorist attack” and urged people to “stay clear from Bourbon Street and eight blocks around.”
The governor of Louisiana has warned people to steer clear of the French Quarter as authorities probe a deadly attack by a pickup driver that claimed 10 lives. Governor Jeff Landry posted on X: “This is a fluid situation and we are in coordination with numerous local and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure a complete and thorough investigation to bring those who may have been part of this incident to justice.”
“We recognise there are tourists around us, and we urge all to avoid the French Quarter as this is an active investigation. We understand the concerns of the community and want to reassure everyone the safety of the French Quarter and the city of New Orleans remains our top priority.”
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