New Orleans truck attacker acted alone in an ‘act of terrorism’: FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced on Thursday (January 2, 2025) that the U.S. Army veteran who drove a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year’s revelers acted alone, reversing its previous position that he may have had accomplices. The attack, which officials have classified as an “act of terrorism inspired by the Islamic State group,” was carried out by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas.

Prior to the attack, Jabbar posted five videos on his Facebook account expressing allegiance to the Islamic State and stating that he had joined the militant group. Christopher Raia, the deputy assistant director of the FBI’s counterterrorism division, described the incident as a premeditated and evil act of terrorism.

The attack resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals, including an 18-year-old aspiring nurse. Initially, authorities believed there were additional suspects involved, but Mr. Raia clarified that Jabbar acted alone without any co-conspirators.

Jabbar was fatally shot by police after driving around a police blockade and crashing into the crowd. A black flag of the Islamic State was found in the truck, and President Joe Biden confirmed that Jabbar had posted videos on social media prior to the attack indicating his motives.

Despite conducting search warrants and investigating a Houston-area home linked to the case, no additional arrests had been made as of Thursday morning. The city of New Orleans was slowly returning to normalcy following the tragic event, with Bourbon Street expected to reopen later in the day.

The investigation into Jabbar’s potential ties to terror organizations continued, as federal officials worked to uncover more details about the deadliest IS-inspired attack on U.S. soil in years. The incident raised concerns about security protocols in the city, particularly regarding the use of vehicles as weapons for mass violence.

Jabbar, who drove a rented pickup truck onto a sidewalk, was able to bypass safety measures and open fire on police officers before being shot dead. The attack coincided with deadly explosions in Honolulu and outside a Las Vegas hotel, prompting the FBI to explore potential connections between the incidents.

U.S. Sen. John Kennedy emphasized the heinous nature of the attack, denouncing it as an act of objective evil. Jabbar, a former Army staff sergeant, had served in Afghanistan before leaving the military in 2020.

The community of New Orleans mourned the loss of life and began the healing process, with President Biden offering his condolences and support. The FBI’s ongoing efforts to combat international terrorism threats underscored the need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of such tragedies.