A deadly truck attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day has left at least 15 people dead and more than 30 injured. Authorities are investigating the incident as an act of terrorism, following the discovery of an Islamic State (IS) flag at the scene.
The attack occurred in the early hours of January 1 when Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas, drove a Ford pickup truck into a crowd celebrating New Year’s on Bourbon Street. After striking the crowd, Jabbar exited the vehicle and opened fire on police officers, injuring two before he was shot and killed by law enforcement.
The FBI discovered weapons, explosives, and the IS flag inside Jabbar’s truck. In addition, several improvised explosive devices were found nearby but did not detonate. Officials say the suspect had posted videos on social media hours before the attack, expressing a desire to kill and stating he was inspired by ISIS.
Authorities are continuing to investigate possible connections to other individuals. Surveillance footage shows a second car following Jabbar’s truck before the attack, but the connection is still under investigation.
Jabbar, a former U.S. Army and Navy service member, had reportedly been acting erratically in the months leading up to the attack, including a conversion to Islam.
New Orleans’ law enforcement has been working around the clock to secure the area, including checking for additional explosive devices. The attack has shocked the community, especially as it occurred in one of the city’s busiest and most popular tourist areas. The city has also postponed the Sugar Bowl football game as a result of the tragedy.
