A tragic incident unfolded in New Orleans during the New Year's celebrations as a U.S. Army veteran drove a pickup truck into a crowd of revelers, resulting in the death of 15 individuals and leaving many others injured. The driver, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, posted videos on social media expressing his inspiration from the Islamic State group and his desire to kill, according to President Joe Biden.
The FBI is investigating the attack as a terrorist act and believes that Jabbar did not act alone. The vehicle used in the attack, adorned with the flag of the Islamic State group, contained guns, an improvised explosive device, and other explosive devices found in the city's French Quarter.
The rampage on Bourbon Street created a scene of chaos and tragedy, with maimed victims, bloodied bodies, and terrified pedestrians seeking refuge. The attack disrupted a college football playoff game at the nearby Superdome, which was postponed until the following day.
Witnesses described the horrifying scene of the truck plowing through the crowd, throwing people into the air and causing widespread panic. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick condemned the attack as an act of evil and terrorism.
Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas and Army veteran, was killed by police after he opened fire on responding officers. The FBI is working to determine any potential associations with terrorist organizations and investigating the possibility of accomplices.
The attack, which involved multiple improvised explosives, marks one of the deadliest IS-inspired assaults on U.S. soil in years. The incident underscores the ongoing threat of using vehicles as weapons for mass violence.
President Biden expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, emphasizing that there is no justification for such violence. The city of New Orleans remains in shock and mourning as authorities continue their investigation into this heinous act of terror.
Despite the tragedy, life in other parts of the city continued as normal, with people trying to carry on amidst the devastation. The nation stands in solidarity with New Orleans as they grieve and begin the process of healing from this senseless act of violence.
