Federal agents are diving into an investigation surrounding a 42-year-old man from Texas who, during New Year’s festivities on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, directed his truck into the crowd of partygoers. This horrific incident claimed the lives of at least ten people while leaving many others injured. The tragic event has instigated a wave of worry regarding safety measures in the city, as their effectiveness was brutally tested, resulting in an unforeseen event that led officials to defer the Sugar Bowl until Thursday.
The suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a U.S citizen who lost his life in a heated exchange of gunfire with the police. It’s reported that his truck was flagging an Islamic State emblem and was loaded with separate arms and potential explosives.
Jabbar is assumed to have driven the pickup at a high speed into the throngs of people around 3:15 in the early morning hours. In the events that transpired, he was involved in a crossfire with three police officers, with two sustaining injuries.
Investigators harbor beliefs that Jabbar does not shoulder the sole responsibility for the horrendous attack. They are encouraging individuals who might have had any recent interactions with him to help augment their ongoing inquiries.
In response to this incident, New Orleans has been progressively fortifying security barriers along Bourbon Street, especially in the vicinity of the attack. However, it remains uncertain if these barriers were set up in time for the attack.
Merrick B. Garland, the Attorney General, has disclosed that the distressing episode is officially being considered an act of terrorism.
The incursion transpired at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Streets amidst a festive atmosphere in the city’s French Quarter. It occurred just hours ahead of a planned football match at the Superdome in the city.
The case has propelled federal agents to further explore the incident by probing the residence of the suspect’s former spouse located in North Houston.
Jabbar, who showed signs of converting to Islam within the last year, was reportedly exhibiting unusual behavior according to his ex-wife’s current husband. This sudden behavioral change implied a significant shift in his personal appearance.
Authorities are suspecting more hands at play in the attack, not solely confined to Jabbar driving into the crowd. There are emerging details of suspected explosive devices possibly planted in other areas of the French Quarter.
Jabbar had served in the U.S. Army for several years, maintaining a residence in Texas throughout his lifetime. He was noticed carrying an ISIS flag during the incident.
The suspect’s updated behavior and personal appearance had raised concerns within his circle. His ex-wife’s new spouse shared that they had recently forbade their daughters from spending time with him due to the uncertainties around his behavior.
Jabbar’s vehicle links to a man from Houston who rented it. However, the man linked to the vehicle denies being the driver during the incident.
Public records reveal Jabbar had been married twice. His first matrimonial bond came to an end in 2012, and during his second divorce in early 2022, he voiced concerns about his financial stability.
During the proceedings of his second divorce, he considered offloading his house and dividing the profits with his wife. Jabbar’s known source of income pointed towards an accounting firm, where he reportedly earned an approximate annual salary of $120,000.
This investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to piece together the threads of these tragic events and unprecedented New Year’s celebration on Bourbon Street.