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2025 New Orleans truck attack

Coordinates: 29°57′22″N 90°4′4.4″W / 29.95611°N 90.067889°W / 29.95611; -90.067889
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2025 New Orleans truck attack
Part of domestic terrorism in the United States
Canal Street at the intersection with Bourbon Street, where the ramming began, pictured in 2022
Map
Attack endpoint
LocationNew Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
DateJanuary 1, 2025
3:15 a.m. CST (UTC–6)
Attack type
Vehicle-ramming attack, mass shooting, mass murder, domestic terrorism, shootout, Islamic terrorism
Weapon
Deaths11+ (including the suspect)
Injured25+
MotiveUnder investigation
AccusedShamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar

On January 1, 2025, at around 3:15 a.m. CST (UTC–6), a man, identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, is suspected of driving a pickup truck into a large crowd on Bourbon Street and Canal Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the United States. After crashing into a crane, he exited the truck. He began firing an assault rifle before police officers fatally shot him.[2] The attack occurred during New Year celebrations in the city.[3][1][4] At least 11 people were killed, including the suspect, and at least 25 others were injured, including two police officers who were shot.[5][6][7] The suspect was carrying an Islamic State flag in the truck.[8][9] The FBI is investigating the attack as an act of terrorism.

Background

Federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies had warned local police agencies about potential vehicle ramming attacks before the holidays.[2] In a 2017 memo, the city government also noted the risk of a mass casualty incident, including from a vehicle attack, in the French Quarter, the neighborhood where the attack took place, and it had plans to establish further security programs in the area.[10] The New Year celebrations in the city included LGBTQ parties on Bourbon Street a few blocks south of the attack, as well as a parade for the 2025 Sugar Bowl—one of New Orleans's major sporting events—which was scheduled to take place on the night of January 1 at the Caesars Superdome between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Law enforcement had ramped up security in preparation for these events, including using drones in the French Quarter.[7]

At the time of the attack, a system of bollards protecting Bourbon Street from drivers was undergoing an upgrade, and it is unclear whether bollards were in place.[11] Eyewitnesses blamed the city and reported that steel barricades installed to prevent vehicular access were not raised before the attack, though New Orleans Police superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said that police were aware they malfunctioned sometimes and instead used other barricades.[7]

Events

The suspected driver, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar,[6] drove the truck around a police car that was stationed by to protect the street and barricades on Bourbon Street and into people along the roadway covering a stretch of three blocks between Canal and Conti streets.[7][12] Originally, special barricades that stopped cars were put on streets, but were taken for repairs in preperation for the upcoming Super Bowl in the same city. Police superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick stated that he was "trying to run over as many people as he possibly could."[7] After he crashed into a crane, he exited the truck and began firing a weapon. New Orleans Police (NOPD) officers returned fire with two officers being wounded in the gun fight.[6][7][13][14] Witnesses and law enforcement officials said the driver was shooting with an assault rifle.[14][2][15] Witnesses also said he was wearing full military gear.[15] Officers killed the suspect in the shootout.[7][16][17]

The white Ford F-150 Lightning light-duty truck used in the attack had been rented through the Turo car-sharing app, and had been observed in Humble, Texas on the morning before the attack. Later that day, the truck was observed in Baytown, Texas heading east on Interstate 10 toward New Orleans.[18] The truck was owned by a 42-year-old Houston man.[6][7][19] The suspect was carrying an Islamic State (ISIS) flag on the trailer in the truck.[7][12]

At least 11 people, including the suspect, were killed. At least 25 others were injured, some critically.[2][5][6][7][19] Emergency personnel took 30 of the wounded to five area hospitals, while other injured sought hospital care on their own.[1][6] Superintendent Kirkpatrick said most of the victims were local residents.[7]

Suspect

The FBI identified the suspect as Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar (October 26, 1982 – January 1, 2025),[6][12][20] a 42-year-old American citizen born and raised in Texas who lived in Pasadena at the time of the attack, and was a former resident of Beaumont.[6][21][22] He worked for the US Army for 10 years as a human resources specialist and an information technology specialist. His past criminal history included a 2002 arrest for misdemeanor theft, and a 2005 arrest for driving with an invalid license. Before the attack, he had financial problems connected to a divorce he was going through.[6]

Aftermath

A reunification center was established at the University Medical Center New Orleans, where police reported most of the wounded were located.[23] Many hotels in the area were evacuated,[6] and hospitality and service workers reporting for work later that morning were turned away from the area.[13]

The Sugar Bowl was postponed 24 hours due to ongoing security sweeps.[6][7][24][25] With Super Bowl LIX set to be held in New Orleans the following month, local organizers said they would review security procedures for that event, but the priority would be on the immediate response to the attack.[26]

Investigation

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation of the attack and has opened a tip line.[27] Federal law enforcement agents found improvised explosive devices inside a cooler in the vehicle following the attack, though it was unclear if the devices were actually capable of detonation.[6][7] The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Department of Homeland Security, and prosecutors for the National Security Division and the local federal prosecutor's office are assisting in the investigation.[6][7] The investigation includes whether the suspect was connected to or inspired by a foreign terrorist organization.[28] An ISIS flag was found inside the truck as well, though whether the suspect was a member of ISIS or a follower remains unclear.[29] The FBI said that apparent explosive devices were found elsewhere in the French Quarter.[29]

Reactions

Domestic

U.S. President Joe Biden contacted Mayor Cantrell to offer support[7] and released a statement saying that his "heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday".[19]

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry expressed condolences to the victims of the attack and urged people to avoid the area.[5] Jason Williams, the district attorney for Orleans Parish, said that "driving a vehicle into a crowd is not particularly a thing that any law enforcement agency can be prepared for."[11]

Police, along with New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell, described the incident as a "terrorist attack".[2][15] The FBI later stated it was investigating the attack as an "act of terrorism."[7]

Troy Carter, who represents almost all of New Orleans in the U.S. House, said the attack was an "unspeakable act of violence" and commended the New Orleans Police Department for their work.[30] Bill Cassidy, Louisiana's senior U.S. Senator, called the attack "so tragic". U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, president-elect Donald Trump,[7][19] and U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise also condemned the attack.[31]

Jeff Hundley, the director of the committee that organizes the Sugar Bowl, said the committee was "devastated" by the terror attack.[6] The University of Georgia Athletic Association said they were "deeply saddened by the senseless violence that occurred in New Orleans," University of Notre Dame president Robert A. Dowd said that "[o]ur prayers are with the family members and loved ones of all those impacted by the terrible attack in New Orleans early this morning".[7] UGA President Jere Morehead confirmed that one UGA student was injured in the attacks, and said he was "deeply saddened" and expressed gratitude for the first responders.[32] The New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans released a joint statement paying tribute to the victims and the city's resilience.[33]

In Pasadena, California, a moment of silence for the victims was held during the Rose Parade.[34]

The truck owner said the FBI instructed him to not talk about the matter publicly.[6] The truck owner's wife said the family was devastated and offered condolences.[19][7]

International

Israel's foreign ministry said two Israeli citizens were wounded in the attack.[6][35]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Tucker, Eric; Mustian, Jim; McGill, Kevin; Brook, Jack (January 1, 2025). "Driver rams New Year's revelers in New Orleans, killing 10. FBI investigating as 'act of terrorism'". AP News. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d e "New Orleans updates: 10 dead in 'terrorist attack' with pickup in New Orleans, local officials say". ABC News. January 1, 2025. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  3. ^ Reals, Tucker (January 1, 2025). "Reported fatalities in New Orleans as vehicle apparently slams into Bourbon Street crowd". CBS News. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  4. ^ "New Orleans: Several dead after vehicle plows into crowd". DW News. January 1, 2025. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  5. ^ a b c "New Orleans Bourbon Street attack: Horror as SUV ploughs into New Year revellers leaving 10 dead and scores injured". The Mirror. January 1, 2025. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "At Least 10 Killed After Vehicle Drives into Crowd in New Orleans". The New York Times. January 1, 2025. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s "At least 10 killed after vehicle drives into crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans". CNN. January 1, 2025. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  8. ^ "New Orleans terror suspect had ISIS flag on truck that plowed through New Year's crowd". Fox 8. January 1, 2025. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  9. ^ "Suspect in New Orleans truck attack that killed 10 identified. FBI says ISIS flag was recovered". Boston 25 News. January 1, 2025. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  10. ^ Smith, Stephen (January 1, 2025). "Witnesses describe horrifying scene after deadly car attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans: "Nothing we could do"". CBS News. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  11. ^ a b Selig, Kate (January 1, 2025). "A Street Security System in New Orleans Was Under Construction". New York Times. Archived from the original on January 1, 2025. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  12. ^ a b c Killett, Gabriella (January 1, 2025). "New Orleans attack suspect named, accused of killing at least 10, injuring dozens". NOLA.com. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  13. ^ a b LaRose, Greg (January 1, 2025). "At least 10 dead, 35 injured in New Orleans after truck plows into Bourbon Street crowd • Louisiana Illuminator". Louisiana Illuminator. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  14. ^ a b "Here's where Bourbon Street attack occurred that killed at least 10, what streets are blocked". nola.com. January 1, 2025. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  15. ^ a b c Tetzlaff-Deas, Benedict (January 1, 2025). "New Orleans Bourbon Street attack: Everything we know so far as armed driver ploughs into crowd leaving 10 dead". The Mirror. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  16. ^ "10 dead, dozens hurt after driver intentionally plows into Bourbon Street crowd". WDSU. January 1, 2025. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  17. ^ Brooks, Jesse (January 1, 2025). "At least 10 dead, 35 injured on Bourbon Street after vehicle slams into crowd hours after ringing in New Year". WAFB. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  18. ^ "Truck driven in deadly Bourbon Street attack was rented from Houston, sources confirm". KTRK-TV. January 1, 2025. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  19. ^ a b c d e "New Orleans terror attack: 10 dead, dozens injured after truck plows into crowd". KABC-TV. January 1, 2025. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  20. ^ Lowrey, Erin (January 1, 2025). "New Orleans New Year's terror attack suspect identified". WDSU-TV. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  21. ^ "Driver identified as Houston resident in New Orleans' New Year's attack that killed 10". KPRC-TV. January 1, 2025. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  22. ^ "Pasadena Police are reportedly aiding federal authorities in their investigation into Wednesday morning's mass casualty event in New Orleans, Louisiana". CHRON. January 1, 2025. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  23. ^ "New Orleans latest updates: Suspect in New Orleans attack that killed 10 is dead and FBI investigating as 'act of terrorism'". BBC News. January 1, 2025. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  24. ^ "Sugar Bowl postponed after New Orleans attack, per reports". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. January 1, 2025. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  25. ^ "Superdome in New Orleans on lockdown for security sweeps after deadly truck attack". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. January 1, 2025. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  26. ^ McAuley, Anthony; Riegel, Stephanie (January 1, 2025). "As Super Bowl looms, New Orleans officials to review security in wake of deadly attack". NOLA.com. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  27. ^ "FBI Statement on the Attack in New Orleans". Federal Bureau of Investigation. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  28. ^ Reals, Tucker; Breen, Kerry (January 1, 2025). "10 killed on Bourbon Street in New Orleans after suspect intentionally slams truck into crowd; dozens injured". CBS News. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  29. ^ a b "FBI identifies Texas man Shamsud-Din Jabbar as suspect and says other potential explosives found". CNN. January 1, 2025. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  30. ^ "Tweet". X.com.
  31. ^ @SteveScalise (January 1, 2025). "Please join me in praying for the victims and their families, as well as our first responders, in the wake of this horrific act of violence on Bourbon Street" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  32. ^ "UGA student critically injured in New Orleans terror attack". Fox 8 Live News. January 1, 2025. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  33. ^ Reardon • •, Logan (January 1, 2025). "Saints and Pelicans release joint statement after deadly attack in New Orleans". NBC 6 South Florida. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  34. ^ "Rose Parade officials hold moment of silence to honor victims of New Orleans attack". wwltv.com. January 1, 2025. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  35. ^ "שני ישראלים נפצעו באירוע הדריסה בניו אורלינס - וואלה חדשות". Walla (in Hebrew). January 1, 2025. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
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