US Army Veteran, Inspired by Islamic State, Kills 15 People in New Orleans Attack

A horrific attack on New Year’s Eve in New Orleans left 15 dead and dozens injured when a U.S. Army veteran, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, drove a pickup truck into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street. The 42-year-old, who had posted videos hours before the attack expressing support for the Islamic State group and a desire to kill, was shot dead by police after steering the vehicle around a police blockade and slamming into pedestrians.

The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism, though they do not believe Jabbar acted alone. Authorities discovered several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the vehicle, including pipe bombs, as well as additional devices placed throughout the French Quarter. The truck was also found bearing the flag of the Islamic State.

President Joe Biden condemned the attack as “despicable” and “heinous,” while New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick called it “evil.” Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with bodies thrown into the air and a scene of bloodshed and horror. The attack, which temporarily halted a nearby college football playoff game, marks the deadliest IS-inspired assault on U.S. soil in recent years.

As investigations continue, the FBI works to determine whether Jabbar had any connections to terrorist organizations, with authorities emphasizing that multiple individuals may have been involved in the attack.