A U.S. Army veteran with proclaimed loyalty to ISIL acted alone when he drove a truck into a crowd of New Year revelers in New Orleans, killing 14 and injuring over 30, according to the FBI.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, launched the attack early Wednesday in the French Quarter entertainment district, crashing a rented Ford F-150 pickup into pedestrians before engaging in a gunfight with police. He was fatally shot during the confrontation.
Despite initial concerns of accomplices, FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia confirmed Thursday that Jabbar acted alone. “We do not assess at this point that anyone else was involved,” Raia stated.
Investigators revealed evidence of Jabbar’s allegiance to ISIL, including videos he posted online declaring support for the jihadist group. A black ISIL flag was affixed to his truck, and homemade bombs with remote detonators were discovered in drink coolers nearby but were safely defused.
President Joe Biden addressed the tragedy, commending law enforcement for their quick response in neutralizing the threat. The death toll of 15 includes Jabbar, who wounded two officers before being killed.
Authorities are investigating any possible connections to a separate incident in Las Vegas, where a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel. While both vehicles were rented through the Turo app, officials have not confirmed any links between the attacks.
The New Orleans investigation remains ongoing, with the FBI analyzing Jabbar’s motives and connections.
