On Thursday (January 2), the FBI delivered a crucial update regarding a tragic incident involving a U.S. Army veteran in New Orleans. On New Year’s Day, a horrifying rampage resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals and left at least 35 more injured when Shamsud-Din Jabbar recklessly drove his Ford pickup truck into a festive crowd, shattering the celebrations with violence and chaos.

As reported by the Associated Press, the FBI has confirmed that Shamsud-Din acted independently in this brutal attack, although he was notably influenced by the extremist ideology of the Islamic State group. This attack marks one of the deadliest IS-inspired assaults on U.S. soil in many years, prompting widespread concern and outrage.

Among the victims were an 18-year-old aspiring nurse, a devoted single mother, a father of two, and a former football star from Princeton University, highlighting the tragic loss of life and the devastating impact on families and the community.

In-Depth Analysis of the New Orleans Tragedy

The FBI has also disclosed additional insights regarding the deceased driver, a U.S. citizen hailing from Texas. Just hours prior to the attack, Shamsud-Din Jabbar posted a series of five videos on his Facebook account, where he openly declared his support for the militant group ISIS and expressed his radical beliefs, shedding light on the dangerous mindset that led to his violent actions.

In his disturbing videos, Jabbar issued alarming warnings about the violence he intended to unleash in the renowned French Quarter of New Orleans. One particularly chilling clip reveals his initial plan to inflict harm on his own family and friends. However, he ultimately decided against this, expressing concerns that such headlines would detract from the “war between the believers and the disbelievers,” illustrating a deeply troubling perspective.

“This was an act of terrorism. It was premeditated and an evil act,” stated Christopher Raia, the deputy assistant director of the FBI’s counterterrorism division.

Raia emphasized the premeditated nature of Jabbar’s actions, confirming that he was “100% inspired” by the Islamic State. This heinous act led to the tragic deaths of 14 individuals who were joyfully celebrating the New Year when Jabbar deliberately accelerated around a barricade and crashed into the crowd. Following the attack, he was fatally shot during a confrontation with law enforcement.

The investigation revealed that Shamsud-Din Jabbar had rented a truck in Houston on December 30, which he drove to New Orleans the following day. Surveillance footage captured him placing an improvised explosive device inside a cooler on Bourbon Street. Fortunately, the FBI believes that no one else seen in the footage assisted him in executing the attack, although they plan to interview these individuals as potential witnesses. The cooler contained one of the devices, while others found at the scene were nonfunctional.

Additionally, the FBI recovered a black Islamic State flag from Jabbar’s rented vehicle, alongside a last will and testament, further underscoring the gravity of his intentions.

Personal Reflections from Shamsud-Din Jabbar’s Brother

For context, Jabbar enlisted in the Army in 2007, where he served in human resources and information technology, including a deployment to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010. He transitioned into the Army Reserve in 2015 and completed his service in 2020, achieving the rank of staff sergeant.

Abdur-Rahim Jabbar, the younger brother of Shamsud-Din, shared his disbelief with The Associated Press on Thursday, expressing that it “doesn’t feel real” that his brother could be capable of such horrific acts. His brother stated, “I never would have thought it’d be him. It’s completely unlike him,” revealing the deep shock felt by family and friends.

Abdur-Rahim mentioned that while his brother had experienced some isolation in recent years, he had maintained communication with him and had not observed any signs of radicalization. “It’s completely contradictory to who he was and how his family and his friends know him,” the brother articulated, highlighting the perplexing nature of this tragedy.

Meanwhile, swipe below to see how President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump responded to this distressing incident.

FBI Disassociates New Orleans Incident from Las Vegas Explosions

Authorities in New Orleans completed the crime scene investigation early Thursday morning, including the removal of the last of the victims. The iconic Bourbon Street, known globally for its vibrant music scene and festive atmosphere, reopened to the public by early afternoon, marking a return to normalcy in the aftermath of tragedy.

Meanwhile, over 1,500 miles away in Las Vegas, another incident unfolded, resulting in one fatality and several injuries. Local law enforcement is currently investigating whether this event was a targeted attack or an act of terrorism. However, it has been confirmed that the New Year’s Day explosion was NOT caused by a mechanical failure of a Cybertruck. This incident occurred in front of a Trump International Hotel, adding to the complexity of the situation.

Christopher Raia from the FBI has reiterated that there is no connection between the tragic events in New Orleans and the Las Vegas incident, aiming to clarify any misunderstandings that may arise.

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Associated Press reporters contributing to this report include Eric Tucker, Jim Mustian, Kevin McGill, Jack Brook, Stephen Smith, Chevel Johnson, Brett Martel, Jeff Martin, Alanna Durkin Richer, Tara Copp, Zeke Miller, Darlene Superville in New Castle, Colleen Long, and Michael R. Sisak.