New Orleans Attack: Investigators Search for Motive Behind ISIS-Inspired Act
Authorities in New Orleans are investigating a deadly New Year’s Day attack that claimed 15 lives and injured 30 others. The perpetrator, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran, carried out the attack in the French Quarter using a rented vehicle while flying an ISIS flag. Jabbar was killed in a shootout with police shortly after the incident.
Details of the Attack
- Casualties: 15 dead, including a mother, a student-athlete, and an aspiring nurse, with 30 others injured.
- Suspect: Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a Texas native and former Army staff sergeant who served in Afghanistan from 2009-2010.
- Weapons and Explosives: Authorities recovered firearms and potential explosive devices from Jabbar’s vehicle and the area. Two devices were rendered safe in the French Quarter.
ISIS Connection
An ISIS flag was found attached to the suspect’s vehicle, leading investigators to probe potential ties to the militant organization. While no concrete links have been established yet, the investigation is ongoing.
Parallel Investigation in Las Vegas
The FBI is also examining a possible connection to a separate incident in Las Vegas, where a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel. So far, no evidence has linked the two events.
Response from Officials
- President Joe Biden: Condemned the act as “despicable” and reaffirmed support for the investigation.
- Local Authorities: Rescheduled the Sugar Bowl game and conducted sweeps for additional threats in the city.
Background of the Suspect
Jabbar, a real estate worker from Houston, reportedly recorded videos expressing interest in ISIS and detailed personal struggles, including thoughts of violence following a divorce.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are searching for any accomplices and attempting to determine if the attack was part of a broader plot. The city remains on high alert as it prepares to host the Super Bowl on February 9.
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