As the new year dawned, a horrifying incident unfolded in New Orleans’ French Quarter. A pickup truck, driven with malicious intent, plowed through a crowd on Bourbon Street, leaving at least 15 dead and around 30 injured. The driver, later killed in a police shootout, is suspected to have had accomplices.
What Happened
The incident occurred on Bourbon Street, a hotspot for New Year’s Eve festivities. The College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl, which was scheduled for the same day, was postponed until Thursday afternoon in the wake of the attack.
Key Findings
- Authorities unearthed potential explosive devices in the French Quarter.
- Surveillance footage showed four individuals — three men and a woman — placing one of multiple improvised explosive devices.
- The driver, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, was a U.S. citizen, Army veteran, and Texas resident.
- An Islamic State group flag was discovered on the vehicle’s trailer hitch.
- The FBI is probing Jabbar’s potential links to terrorist organizations.
Investigation and Response
Weapons and pipe bombs, hidden within coolers and rigged for remote detonation, were found in the suspect’s vehicle. The crowd, ringing in 2025, also included fans awaiting the Sugar Bowl college football playoff game. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the suspect as “hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did.” The FBI is investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism, with the area being searched for potential explosive devices.
Incident Details
- At least 15 people were killed and around 30 injured in the incident.
- The suspect was killed in a police shootout.
- The incident occurred on Bourbon Street, a popular destination for New Year’s Eve festivities.
Other Incidents
In a separate incident, an explosion involving a vehicle was reported at the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.