Police officers were on the scene when a truck plowed into a large crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter during New Year’s Day celebrations in this video screengrab from January 1, 2025. This incident swiftly took a somber turn as a 42-year-old man from Texas, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, drove a pickup into the bustling crowd and fired upon the police, tragically killing 10 people and injuring 35. The FBI is considering the shocking early-morning event as a potential act of terrorism.
According to officials, Jabbar, a U.S. citizen, died during a shootout with police. The FBI confirmed the presence of an ISIS flag inside the vehicle and is investigating his potential connections to terrorist organizations. Weapons and a possible explosive device were also discovered in the truck, and other potential explosives were found scattered throughout the French Quarter. It’s reported that the vehicle appeared to have been rented for this horrific act.
Imagery from the scene shows police surrounding the white Ford F-150 pickup truck involved, while New Orleans officials grapple with the horrifying details. U.S. Representative Troy Carter suggested that the death toll might have increased to 15, although this has yet to be confirmed by law enforcement.
Describing the events, Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick emphasized the deliberate nature of the attack, stating the assailant was intent on causing maximum harm and chaos. Occurring at around 3:15 a.m. near Canal and Bourbon Streets—a popular area renowned for its vibrant nightlife and large crowds—the incident prompted a massive response by more than 300 police officers on duty that night.
Councilman Oliver Thomas acknowledged that Jabbar had been killed, urging the public to remember the senseless nature of evil as the search for a motive continues. The tragedy overshadowed New Year’s celebrations, which traditionally include the classic Sugar Bowl college football game. Consequently, authorities postponed the event.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Governor Jeff Landry expressed their commitment to a thorough investigation in partnership with various law enforcement agencies, ensuring that any collaborators in this attack face justice.
Disturbing video footage taken by a witness shows twisted bodies in the street with bystanders rushing to help as military personnel run by. Many injured individuals were rushed to five different hospitals across the city.
Eyewitnesses vividly recounted the scene. Zion Parsons, just 18, shared how he narrowly escaped being hit by the truck while one of his friends was severely injured. Bodies of victims, bloodied and with broken bones, painted a chilling picture of the havoc wrought by the attack.
Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy assured the public that despite this tragic event, law enforcement was adequately prepared for the rescheduled Sugar Bowl. The iconic Superdome was secured promptly.
In response to such attacks worldwide, New Orleans has been working to enhance safety by updating the vehicle barriers in the pedestrian-heavy Bourbon Street area. However, this security project was still underway when tragedy struck.
In a similar vein, a recent attack in Germany saw a man charged with multiple murders after driving through a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, highlighting the grim global rise of vehicle-related terror incidents.
In the aftermath, President Joe Biden extended federal support to New Orleans, while President-elect Donald Trump vowed comprehensive assistance to tackle the aftermath and ensure justice for this “act of pure evil.”
