FBI links New Orleans truck rampage to ISIS-inspired videos, says Biden
A New Year’s celebration in New Orleans turned tragic when Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Army veteran, drove a Ford F-150 truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street. The attack killed 15 people and injured dozens more. Hours before the rampage, Jabbar posted videos online, claiming inspiration from ISIS and expressing a desire to kill, the FBI confirmed.
Deadly Intent and Police Confrontation
Jabbar crashed through pedestrian barriers, creating chaos and bloodshed. After exiting the truck, he opened fire on responding officers. Police shot and killed him in a brief gunfight. Two officers sustained injuries but remain stable, said Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick.
FBI Links to Terrorism
The FBI revealed that Jabbar’s truck displayed an ISIS flag. Investigators are examining his potential ties to terrorist groups and uncovered improvised explosives in the vehicle and nearby. Assistant Special Agent Alethea Duncan noted the possibility of accomplices, with surveillance capturing others placing devices.
Presidential Condemnation
President Joe Biden condemned the attack, calling it “despicable.” Speaking from Camp David, he assured the victims and New Orleans residents of federal support. “Our nation grieves with you as you mourn and heal,” he said. Biden emphasized the ongoing investigation, led by the FBI, to uncover motives and ensure public safety.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses described horrifying scenes. Zion Parsons, 18, recalled the truck “throwing people into the air like a movie.” His friend Nikyra Dedeaux was among the deceased. “Bodies were everywhere,” Parsons said.
Wider Implications
Separately, a Cybertruck explosion near a Las Vegas hotel raised questions. Authorities reported no direct connection to New Orleans but are investigating possible links. Tesla CEO Elon Musk speculated the events might both involve terrorism, citing the use of rented vehicles.
The FBI continues its active investigation, seeking answers and preventing further threats.
