New Orleans Terror Attack: FBI Identifies Driver of Truck That Plowed Into Crowd
The FBI has identified the driver of a truck that plowed into a crowd of people celebrating New Year’s on Bourbon Street early Wednesday, killing at least 15 people and injuring 35.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen and U.S. Army veteran from Houston, rented the F-150 Lightning truck, the FBI said. Alethea Duncan, an assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s New Orleans field office, said the agency doesn’t believe he acted alone.
The law enforcement agency said in a news release that he had improvised explosive devices that were found in both the truck and in two different locations in the French Quarter, body armor, and an ISIS flag hanging from the tailgate.
The FBI said it’s investigating whether Jabbar acted alone or had accomplices and has closed Bourbon Street, treating it as an active crime scene.
Sugar Bowl Postponed
Wednesday night’s Sugar Bowl, a College Football Playoff semifinal pitting Georgia and Notre Dame, was postponed until Thursday, the bowl game said. The kickoff time is scheduled for 3 p.m. at the Caesar’s Superdome.
Jabbar drove into a group of revelers at 3:17 a.m. and got out of the truck, exchanging gunfire with New Orleans Police Department officers, injuring two of them, before succumbing from his wounds, according to law enforcement.
Government Response
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said that despite their injuries, the officers shot by Jabbar were doing well. She also mentioned malfunctions with some of the retractable bollards that were to be repaired for the upcoming Super Bowl.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry stated that the city and state had been working around the clock to secure the city after the incident. He issued an emergency declaration and mobilized a military police company of 100 guardsmen from the Louisiana National Guard to assist with the investigation.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill pledged to bring those responsible to justice and provide resources to aid in the investigation.
Call for Tips
The FBI is urging anyone with tips for law enforcement, especially those who had interactions with Jabbar in the past 72 hours, to visit the FBI tip line website or call 1-800-CALL-FBI. U.S. Rep. Troy Carter emphasized the importance of reporting any relevant information for the investigation.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick assured the public that the city has a plan in place to apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Syndicated with permission from The Center Square.
