New Orleans Attacker Fired at Police Officers Before Fatal Shooting During New Year's Day Incident

The Islamic State-inspired attacker who killed 14 people in New Orleans on New Year's Day was shot dead by police after firing at them from his vehicle. Bodycam footage released on Friday shows the incident. "They killed the terrorist. ... They are national heroes," stated New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick during a news conference.

Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove his white F-150 around a police blockade at Bourbon Street's entrance, hitting revellers at about 3:15 a.m. on New Year's Day. The attack resulted in 14 fatalities and numerous injuries. After crashing, officer Christian Beyer approached the truck with his gun raised, as seen in bodycam footage from officer Luis Robles.

Police Response and Investigation

Officer Jacobie Jordan was also present by the driver's side with his weapon drawn. Beyer identified himself and instructed Jabbar to exit the vehicle, according to Sgt. Mike Guasco of the Public Integrity Bureau's Force Investigation Team, which reviews police shootings. Jabbar then fired from behind an airbag, prompting officers to take cover.

Beyer and Jordan returned fire, along with Sgt. Nigel Daggs, who was positioned by the truck's front passenger door but not visible in the footage. "Officers are trained for shoot scenarios like that — they're highly trained, and that's what you saw. These are split-second decisions," Kirkpatrick explained.

Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Kirkpatrick noted that due to ongoing investigations and pending litigation, the number of shots fired by Jabbar remains undisclosed. However, she emphasized that the officers adhered to protocol and have resumed full duty. "All officers are faced with shoot, don't shoot. And this was clearly within the law and clearly, solidly within policy," she added.

The three officers involved in shooting Jabbar were Daggs, a 21-year department veteran, and Beyer and Jordan, each with nearly two years of service. Jordan and nine-year veteran officer Joseph Rodrigue sustained thigh wounds, with Rodrigue also suffering a fractured shoulder.

Security Concerns and Legal Actions

Kirkpatrick declined to comment on whether any officers or bystanders were hit by friendly fire or discuss security measures in place during the attack. A group of victims has sued the city and two contractors for allegedly failing to implement security measures that might have prevented the attack.

The officers have provided statements regarding their understanding of the events, but Kirkpatrick refrained from elaborating as it is part of an FBI investigation. She mentioned that further bodycam footage would be released eventually.

Kirkpatrick assured that all questions would be addressed through investigations, with results made public in due course. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about security measures during large public gatherings.