NEW ORLEANS, USA – A man drove a vehicle into a crowd on New Orleans’ iconic Bourbon Street early Wednesday, January 1, 2025, morning, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more before engaging in a shootout with police.
The attack occurred around 3:15 a.m. as New Year’s celebrations were winding down, just hours before the Sugar Bowl college football game was set to bring tens of thousands of visitors to the city’s Superdome.
New Orleans Superintendent of Police Anne Kirkpatrick described the suspect’s actions as “very intentional.”
“He was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did,” Kirkpatrick said during a morning news conference.
The Suspect Identified
The alleged attacker, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, an Army veteran and U.S.-born citizen from Texas, was described by officials as being “hell-bent” on causing mass casualties.
Jabbar reportedly drove a pickup truck around a police barricade and into crowds of revelers on Bourbon Street.
After crashing the vehicle, he opened fire on responding officers, prompting them to return fire, fatally wounding him.
Two officers were injured during the incident—one by gunfire and another after being pinned by the truck, according to authorities.
At least 26 individuals, many with serious injuries, were transported to local hospitals.
“It was very intentional behaviour,” Kirkpatrick emphasised, clarifying that this was “not a DUI situation.”
Authorities have cordoned off the area from Canal Street to St. Ann Street in the French Quarter as the investigation unfolds.
Federal Involvement and Explosive Device Investigation
The FBI is leading the investigation, which has been classified as a criminal act rather than a terrorist event.
Alethea Duncan, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s New Orleans field office, confirmed that an improvised explosive device was found at the scene.
Officials are working to determine whether the device was viable.
Despite Duncan’s clarification, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell called the attack a “terrorist event” during the news conference.
Cantrell also confirmed she had been in contact with the White House and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry regarding the incident.
Official Reactions
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the attack, according to a White House pool report.
Officials at both the local and federal levels have urged the public to avoid the affected areas as investigations continue.
“This is a tragic and senseless act of violence,” Cantrell said. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this unimaginable time.”
Governor Landry echoed the mayor’s sentiments and pledged full support from state agencies to aid in the investigation.
A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning.
Please join Sharon and I in praying for all the victims and first responders on scene.
I urge all near the scene to avoid the area.
— Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) January 1, 2025
Community Impact
The attack has shaken New Orleans as it prepares for one of the year’s biggest sporting events.
The Sugar Bowl is expected to bring tens of thousands of fans to the city, and officials are working to ensure the safety of residents and visitors in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Law enforcement agencies remain on high alert, and additional security measures are being implemented across the city as the investigation unfolds.
Eduardo Munoz/Reuters
