Thu Jan 02 16:33:10 UTC 2025: ## Terrorist Attack in New Orleans Leaves 14 Dead, Dozens Injured

**New Orleans, LA** – A horrific terrorist attack in New Orleans’ French Quarter early New Year’s Day left 14 people dead and at least 30 injured after a man drove a truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street. The FBI has identified the suspect as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar of Texas, who was killed after engaging with law enforcement. An ISIS flag was found attached to the rented Ford pickup truck he was driving.

The attack occurred around 3:15 a.m., hours before the scheduled Allstate Sugar Bowl, forcing its postponement until Thursday afternoon. The FBI confirmed that they are investigating whether Jabbar acted alone and are appealing for anyone with information about his recent activities to contact them. Two New Orleans police officers injured in the incident are reportedly in stable condition.

Authorities are still working to identify all the victims. Among those publicly identified are Tiger Bech, a former standout athlete at St. Thomas More Catholic High School; Nicole Perez, a manager at Kimmy’s Deli; Nikyra Dedeaux, a Mississippi teen; Matthew Tenedorio; and Kareem Badawi, a University of Alabama student. Several others, including students from Ole Miss, the University of Georgia, and San Diego State University, were also injured.

In the aftermath, the FBI detonated at least two suspected improvised explosive devices (IEDs) found in the French Quarter. A fire at a home potentially linked to Jabbar in the St. Roch neighborhood further complicated the investigation. Authorities swept the area around the Superdome for additional threats, ensuring the safety of Sugar Bowl attendees. Bourbon Street remained closed while the investigation continued, but officials planned to reopen it later in the day.

New Orleans officials expressed confidence in the security measures implemented for the Sugar Bowl, but the attack cast a somber shadow over the city’s New Year’s celebrations. The incident prompted an outpouring of grief and support, with several fundraisers established to assist the victims and their families. The city also announced plans to replace unreliable bollards on Bourbon Street to improve security. Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick stated that even if the bollards had been in place, the suspect would have driven around them. The city is committed to improving security and is currently implementing a new bollard system. A blood drive is scheduled for Thursday to assist those injured.

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