A resident of the St. Roch neighborhood in New Orleans was taken aback when he discovered that the suspect in a deadly attack had been staying at an Airbnb next to his home. The resident, Michael Adasko, recounted the events that unfolded when law enforcement officials knocked on his door early Wednesday morning, requesting the evacuation of the area.
Adasko mentioned that at 9 a.m., he received an urgent knock on his door, with police instructing everyone to evacuate the block. However, upon learning that Adasko had Ring footage, officials asked him to remain. As Adasko reviewed the video, more officials arrived at the scene.
The footage captured the suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, unloading his rented truck outside the Airbnb around 10:02 p.m. the previous night. The truck was seen sitting idle with its lights on about an hour later, as per Adasko's account.
Prior to the evacuation notice, Adasko was awakened around 5:00 a.m. by the sound of fire trucks. He recalled the alarming moment when eight fire trucks were extinguishing a fire at the neighboring Airbnb at 5:10 a.m. Adasko mentioned that they had detected a fire smell earlier in the night, initially mistaking it for fireworks. He expressed gratitude that his neighbor had called 911 around 4 a.m., potentially averting a tragic outcome.
According to Joshua Jackson, Special Agent in Charge for the ATF New Orleans Field Division, the fire broke out after Jabbar's demise. Jackson confirmed that ATF personnel were still present at the scene investigating the incident. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill informed NBC News that explosive devices linked to the attack were believed to have been manufactured at the Airbnb, specifically rented for that purpose.
Adasko shared that despite returning to sleep, the experience was unsettling, with the lingering smell of fire adding to the unease. The series of events has left the St. Roch neighborhood reeling from the shocking revelation and the potential dangers narrowly averted.
