On New Year's Day, 2025, tragedy struck Bourbon Street as 14 lives were lost and numerous others were injured following a brutal attack by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Army veteran from Houston, Texas. The FBI has revealed Jabbar's disturbing preparations for this heinous act, which included two earlier visits to the French Quarter and the use of high-tech Meta smart glasses to capture surveillance footage.
According to Lyonel Myrthil, the FBI's Special Agent in Charge, Jabbar's first visit to New Orleans took place around October 30, during which he recorded video of the area on his smart glasses as he rode through the streets. He returned once more on November 10, with investigators currently piecing together the specifics of this trip. Hours before the deadly rampage, Jabbar was seen driving his rented Ford F-150 around the city, at approximately 3 a.m. on January 1, he accelerated the truck onto the sidewalk, barreling through crowds of revelers who had gathered to celebrate the new year.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic when the vehicle struck before Jabbar exited and began shooting indiscriminately at bystanders, killing 14 people and injuring at least 35, including two officers. The attack ended when he was fatally shot by police following his crash, which culminated when his truck collided with a cherry picker forklift.
The investigation revealed even more concerning details about Jabbar's planning. The FBI noted he placed two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on Bourbon Street, at least one of which was left in a cooler. The second device, discovered later, was left nearby. An FBI spokesperson confirmed these bombs were intended to inflict additional damage and chaos during the attack.
Prior to his assault, Jabbar was observed setting fire to his rental home at around 12:15 AM to try to conceal evidence of his plans. Authorities believe the fire was intended as a distraction to divert emergency responders away from the scene of the main attack. Fortunately, the blaze was contained before it could cause substantial damage.
Following the attack, investigators uncovered bomb-making materials at both the Airbnb where Jabbar stayed and his residence back home in Houston. Law enforcement officials reported finding evidence of explosive devices as well as firearms, including the semi-automatic rifle used during the confrontation. It was established he had purchased the rifle legally through a private sale, meaning no background check was performed.
The aftermath of this disturbing incident has left the city grappling with questions of security and how such violence could be thwarted moving forward. Mayor LaToya Cantrell held a news conference where she stated, "We’re committed to doing everything necessary to improve public safety measures." She announced her intention to involve tactical experts to assess the city’s current security protocols, particularly concerning the installation of physical barriers intended to restrict vehicle access to pedestrian-heavy streets.
Since the incident, New Orleans has been working diligently to introduce new, stronger stainless-steel bollards along Bourbon Street, but these measures won't be ready until the Super Bowl next month. Reports indicate existing security measures, including temporary barricades and wedge-style barriers, were either absent or ineffective during the attack, leading many to criticize the city’s preparedness.
The FBI investigation continues as officials attempt to understand Jabbar's contacts and activities leading up to his chilling attack. Jabbar had also traveled internationally to Egypt and Canada over the summer of 2023. While investigators are exploring these trips, it remains unclear whether they are directly linked to his actions on New Year's Day.
A vigil held over the weekend saw hundreds gathering to pay their respects and mourn the lives lost. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry remarked on the tragic loss of life, stating, "These innocent lives will never be forgotten. This city will continue to stand together amid the grief and trauma we face." Among the victims remembered was Latasha Polk, celebrated as a caring mother, who friends and relatives honored as the last victim to be formally identified.
The FBI reiterated their belief Jabbar acted alone, following earlier investigations of his associates. Despite this, they remain vigilant, pursuing leads and examining his previous travels for any clues related to his radicalization. This attack is particularly alarming as it recalls previous IS-inspired violence within U.S. borders, raising concerns about the resurgence of terrorist threats.
New Orleans has faced immense sorrow since the tragic events on New Year's Day, yet the spirit of the community appears undeterred as preparations continue for Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl. City leaders and residents alike are preparing to honor the memory of those lost, dealing with questions of how to fortify security without compromising the vibrant essence of New Orleans, especially as it embraces its upcoming celebrations.