Fri Jan 03 00:52:55 UTC 2025: **New Orleans Terror Attack: 14 Dead, Dozens Injured in New Year’s Day Tragedy**
NEW ORLEANS, LA – A horrific terrorist attack rocked New Orleans’ French Quarter on New Year’s Day, leaving 14 people dead and at least 35 injured after a truck plowed into a crowd celebrating the holiday. The FBI identified the suspect as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar of Texas, who was killed in a subsequent confrontation with law enforcement.
The attack occurred around 3:15 a.m. on Bourbon Street, just hours before the scheduled start of the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Jabbar, who had driven to New Orleans on December 31st, reportedly posted pro-ISIS statements on Facebook and confessed to previously planning to kill his family before deciding on the attack. The FBI confirmed that Jabbar acted alone.
Prior to the vehicular attack, Jabbar placed two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in coolers near Bourbon Street. These were later safely detonated by FBI agents. Two other suspicious items were found but determined not to be explosive.
The FBI is actively seeking information from the public and has established a tip line (1-800-225-5324) for anyone with photos, videos, or information regarding Jabbar’s activities.
The Sugar Bowl was postponed but ultimately resumed after increased security measures were put in place at the Caesars Superdome. Bourbon Street was reopened to pedestrian traffic by Thursday afternoon.
The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office is working to identify the victims, several of whom have been publicly named by their families or schools, including Tiger Bech, a former standout athlete at St. Thomas More Catholic High School, and Nicole Perez, a manager at Kimmy’s Deli. Others identified include Ryan Quigley (injured), Nikyra Dedeaux, Matthew Tenedorio, Kareem Badawi, Hubert Gauthreaux, Drew Dauphin, Reggie Hunter, Terrence Kennedy, and Billy DiMaio. Several other victims remain unidentified.
The FBI seized three phones and two laptops from Jabbar’s St. Roch Airbnb, which was the scene of a fire. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and the connection between the Airbnb and the suspect. The truck used in the attack, a rented Ford pickup with Texas license plate LZ1575, had an ISIS flag attached.
The investigation is ongoing, with the FBI and local law enforcement cooperating to determine the full extent of the attack and ensure public safety. Several fundraising initiatives have been launched to support victims’ families. The city is also moving forward with plans to install new bollards on Bourbon Street to prevent future incidents.
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