A horrifying attack in New Orleans has left 10 dead and 35 injured after a driver plowed a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year’s revellers in the city’s iconic French Quarter early Wednesday morning.
The FBI authorities have identified the perpetrator as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a Texas-born U.S. Army veteran.
“An ISIS flag was located in the vehicle, and the FBI is working to determine the subject’s potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations.”
At approximately 3:15 a.m. local time, Jabbar drove the truck at high speed onto Bourbon Street, bypassing barriers, and into a dense crowd celebrating the holiday. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as bodies were struck and flung through the air.
Jabbar exited the vehicle, wearing body armour and armed with an assault rifle, and exchanged gunfire with police. Officers fatally shot him, though two officers were wounded in the confrontation. They are reported to be in stable condition.
Investigators discovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Jabbar’s truck and additional suspected explosives elsewhere in the French Quarter.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the act as premeditated carnage.
“He was hell-bent on creating the damage that he did.”
The FBI, now leading the investigation, has classified the incident as “an act of terrorism.” Authorities are exploring the possibility of accomplices but have not disclosed further details.
U.S. President Joe Biden condemned the attack, calling it a “horrific act of violence” and expressed support for the victims and their families. “I am grateful for the brave and swift response of local law enforcement in preventing even greater death and injury,” he said.
President-elect Donald Trump pledged full federal support for the investigation and recovery efforts, labelling the act “pure evil.”
Witness accounts painted a harrowing picture Bourbon Street of the aftermath. It is a well-known historic hub for tourism and nightlife, was crowded with visitors preparing for the annual Sugar Bowl college football game, which has since been postponed.
As the investigation continues, authorities have urged anyone with information about Jabbar’s actions in the days leading up to the attack to come forward. The community remains on high alert as officials work to ensure public safety and uncover the motives behind this devastating act.
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