NEW ORLEANS - A horrific truck attack on Bourbon Street during New Year’s celebrations claimed the lives of 14 victims and left many others injured on January 1, 2025. The suspect, Shamsud Din Jabbar, has been confirmed by authorities to have acted alone, according to the FBI, sparking widespread grief and concern.
This tragic event unfolded as revelers gathered to ring in the New Year. Jabbar, who was allegedly inspired by ISIS, rented a pickup truck and drove to New Orleans, arriving the day before the attack. He reportedly posted five videos online expressing his intentions and proclaiming support for ISIS between 1:20 and 3:02 AM on New Year’s Day. <![CDATA["This was a premeditated, evil act," said Christopher Raia, FBI Deputy Director, during a press conference held shortly after the incident.]]>
The attack, which left 15 people dead—including Jabbar himself—occurred after he planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at two locations on Bourbon Street before driving his truck through the crowded thoroughfare. Surveillance footage shows Jabbar taking these actions, as authorities state he wanted to maximize media attention by targeting crowded areas to fuel what he referred to as the war between "believers and disbelievers."
Governor Jeff Landry has been at the forefront of the state's response to the attack. Facing scrutiny for allowing the Sugar Bowl football game to proceed as planned, Landry assured attendees of their safety. He stated, "We believe the city is as safe as it’s been," indicating confidence in the security measures being put in place.
Despite early concerns about potential co-conspirators, the FBI confirmed on January 5, 2025, there is no evidence implicative of others beyond Jabbar. The investigation found two viable IEDs left at the scene, which bomb technicians rendered safe. Other suspicious devices reported turned out to be unfounded.
While investigations continue, officials have called for public assistance from anyone who was in the French Quarter during the attack. FBI representatives emphasized, "We need witnesses, especially those who may have interacted with the coolers containing the IEDs." Local law enforcement are actively searching for additional evidence, having discovered bomb-making materials and significant items, including laptops found at Jabbar's Airbnb on Mandeville Street.
Just hours after the tragedy, Gov. Landry posted images of himself dining with his staff at a local restaurant, sparking backlash over his demeanor following the attack. Critics highlighted the contradictions between his public statements on safety and the seriousness of the situation. Fox News host Lawrence Jones raised the contradiction: "On one hand, you’re telling the people it is safe, but then you have co-conspirators out there?"
Jabbar’s motivations have come under public scrutiny, especially after he revealed his allegiance to ISIS, which he officially pledged to during the summer of 2024. This linkage to an extremist group has alarmed both state and federal officials. During the press briefing, Raia pointed out Jabbar’s alarming desire to create terror, saying, "He was one hundred percent inspired by ISIS. The public is not currently at risk, but this [attack] is of great concern."
The victims of this incident have also been outlined, with the city mourning for those who lost their lives during what should have been moments of celebration. Landry has emphasized the importance of allowing New Orleans to move forward, saying, "At the end of the day, we want New Orleans to get back to business... and we also want to honor those who lost their lives on the street."
With security dramatically increased across the city, including heightened police presence throughout the French Quarter and particularly around the Sugar Bowl, officials hope to restore public confidence. Landry reassured attendees and locals, stating, "We’ve got more resources and law enforcement officers here than there were 24 hours ago."
While the investigation is still underway, the eyes of the city gleam with hope for healing and resilience. Time will reveal the full scope of Jabbar’s actions, but New Orleans is determined to rebuild and commemorate those whose lives were disrupted on what should have been a joyful New Year’s celebration.
The Sugar Bowl, originally set for New Year’s night, was postponed out of respect for the victims and the investigation, rescheduled for Thursday afternoon. Authorities discussed the significance of allowing the festivities to continue as planned, underlying the desire for the city to show resilience against such cowardly acts.
With the Bourbon Street area closed off during investigations, Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced its reopening just before the Sugar Bowl kickoff, aiming to restore some sense of normalcy to the site of the tragic event. Landry is adamant about moving forward: "What people need to understand is, it’s a two-pronged operation. We’ve got to handle both the security and the football game."