Thu Jan 02 02:22:57 UTC 2025: ## New Orleans New Year’s Attack: 15 Dead, Dozens Injured in Terrorist Vehicle Ramming
**NEW ORLEANS, LA (January 2, 2025)** – A devastating terrorist attack marred New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans’ French Quarter early Wednesday morning. A white Ford F-150 pickup truck, driven by 42-year-old U.S. citizen Shamsud-Din Jabbar, plowed into a crowd of revelers, killing at least 15 and injuring over 35. Jabbar, identified by the FBI as an Army veteran from Texas, was shot and killed by police following a gunfight.
The FBI confirmed that an ISIS flag was found in the vehicle and is investigating Jabbar’s potential links to terrorist organizations. Agent Alethea Duncan stated that Jabbar may not have acted alone. Two homemade bombs were also discovered and deactivated.
Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the attack as intentional and high-speed, stating Jabbar aimed to inflict maximum carnage. Two officers were wounded in the ensuing shootout but are reported to be in stable condition.
The attack occurred around 3:15 a.m. local time in the heart of the French Quarter, a popular tourist destination packed with New Year’s Eve celebrations. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and gunfire, with several people killed instantly. The Sugar Bowl college football game, scheduled for later that day, was postponed by 24 hours.
President Joe Biden condemned the attack, emphasizing there is “no justification for violence of any kind.” In contrast, President-elect Donald Trump prematurely linked the incident to illegal immigration, a claim unsupported by evidence.
The New Orleans attack follows a similar car-ramming incident in Magdeburg, Germany, ten days earlier. The heightened security measures in place for New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans were unfortunately unable to prevent this tragedy. The incident has cast a pall over the city, known for its vibrant celebrations and upcoming Super Bowl game on February 9th. The FBI investigation continues.
First Piper 