FBI Investigates New Orleans New Year's Eve Attack That Killed 10 and Injured Many

A driver caused chaos in New Orleans' French Quarter on New Year's Day, killing 10 people by driving a pickup truck into a crowd. Police shot the driver dead after the incident. Over 30 individuals were injured during the attack, which turned the festive Bourbon Street into a scene of horror. The FBI is treating this as a terrorist act and believes the driver did not act alone.

Investigation and Evidence

An Islamic State flag was discovered on the vehicle's trailer hitch, according to the FBI. Authorities also found guns and pipe bombs hidden in coolers, wired for remote detonation. A remote control was located inside the suspect's truck. The attack led to postponing a college football playoff quarterfinal at the nearby Superdome until Thursday.

The driver was identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old US citizen from Texas. The FBI is investigating Jabbar's potential links to terrorist groups. "We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible," stated Alethea Duncan, an assistant special agent at the FBI's New Orleans office.

Details of the Attack

Jabbar was killed by police after he exited his vehicle and fired at officers. Two officers were shot but are in stable condition. In addition to these officers, 33 people were injured in the vehicle attack. A photo shared among law enforcement showed Jabbar wearing camouflage next to the truck after being killed.

The attack occurred around 3:15 am in an area crowded with New Year's revellers. Investigators recovered a handgun and an AR-style rifle following the shootout. An anonymous law enforcement official disclosed these details, as they were not authorised to speak publicly about the investigation.

Community Impact and Reactions

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell labelled the incident a "terrorist attack." Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described Jabbar's actions as intentional, stating he aimed to harm as many people as possible. "It was very intentional behaviour," Kirkpatrick said.

City councilmember Helena Moreno mentioned that there might be other suspects involved and emphasised efforts to identify them. The area is popular for New Year's Eve celebrations, attracting thousands of college football fans for the Sugar Bowl playoff between Georgia and Notre Dame.

Derick Fleming, chief bellhop at a downtown hotel, described chaos upon arriving at work, with bodies covered on the ground and police searching for bombs in bins. University of Georgia President Jere Morehead reported that a student was critically injured and receiving medical care.

Zion Parsons recounted leaving a Bourbon Street restaurant with friends when he heard commotion and saw a vehicle heading towards them. He managed to dodge it, but one friend was struck. "I yell her name... her leg is twisted... there was just blood," Parsons said.

Security Measures and Public Response

Bourbon Street has had barriers since 2017 to prevent vehicle attacks, but ongoing replacement work left it vulnerable during this incident. The project began in November and was expected to finish before February's Super Bowl in the city.

Hours after the attack, coroners' vans were parked at Bourbon and Canal streets, with police tape cordoning off areas while tourists stood dazed nearby. Tessa Cundiff, an Indiana native living in the French Quarter, expressed sadness over the situation.

Elsewhere in New Orleans, life continued as usual despite the tragedy. Near where the truck stopped, some discussed the attack while others focused on football. At a nearby cafe, people enjoyed breakfast with pop music playing, seemingly unaffected by recent events.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry urged tourists to avoid the French Quarter due to ongoing investigations. "We understand community concerns... safety remains our top priority," Landry said. President Joe Biden expressed anger over the attack but refrained from further comments until more information is available.

"My heart goes out to victims... no justification for violence," Biden stated. This incident highlights a worrying trend of vehicles used as weapons for mass violence, posing challenges for law enforcement agencies worldwide.