A U.S. Army veteran flying an ISIS flag from his truck drove through makeshift barriers and into New Orleans’ bustling French Quarter on New Year’s Day, killing 15 people in what officials believe may have been a coordinated attack. The suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas and former Afghanistan veteran, was fatally shot by police following the attack.
The FBI is investigating the attack as a possible act of terrorism and is looking for any associates, co-conspirators, or connections that Jabbar may have with terrorist groups. Authorities are reviewing videos uploaded to social media by Jabbar “mere hours before the attack,” showing him claiming to be inspired by ISIS and expressing a desire to kill, FBI Assistant Special Agent Alethea Duncan told reporters.
Investigators say they’re looking at several potential improvised explosive devices in the area where the incident occurred and are working to determine if Jabbar or another person placed them. Two of the devices found in the suspect’s vehicle were concealed inside coolers and wired for remote detonation, according to a Louisiana State Police intelligence bulletin.
Officials say they’re also trying to identify the victims. Many were taken to University Medical Center, Touro Hospital, East Jefferson General Hospital, or Ochsner Medical Center Jefferson Campus. Others were sent to hospitals in Shreveport and Baton Rouge.
In addition to the fatalities, about 30 people were injured in the attack. A police spokesman says more than 20 of those were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Some of the wounded were tourists, but the majority were residents. Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick says the attacker, who was shot dead by police after exchanging gunfire with them, appeared to be hell-bent on creating as much carnage and damage as he could.
Police say the attacker was a white male with dark skin and a mustache. He was wearing a green sleeveless shirt and was carrying a black pistol, the police spokesman said. He was driving a white Ford pickup with a black top and a red, blue, and yellow ISIS flag mounted to the rear of it.
The area where the attack occurred is known for its raucous nightlife and jazz clubs. According to a nonprofit group, it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in a city that draws 17.5 million visitors each year and generates about $9.1 billion in revenue.
Witnesses say they were enjoying the fireworks show and festivities in the pulsing neighborhood when they heard crashing noises and saw a pickup drive through the barricade. A crowd gathered in the street and watched as the truck crashed into people. One woman, who was on a bus with her daughter and infant son, described being crushed. “I didn’t realize how bad it was until I saw people lying everywhere,” she said. “It was heartbreaking.” Jabbar had a long military service record, including 13 years in the Army and several deployments. He also had a history of domestic violence, including a divorce, the nonprofit said.
