NEW ORLEANS, LA — The FBI is urging anyone who may have seen or encountered Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the suspect accused of carrying out the deadly New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans, to come forward with information. Authorities believe Jabbar, 42, was responsible for driving a truck into crowds of pedestrians on Bourbon Street, killing at least 14 people and injuring dozens more.
Surveillance Images Released
The FBI has released surveillance images showing Jabbar near Bourbon Street over an hour before the attack. In the footage, Jabbar is seen walking along Dauphine and Governor Nicholls streets just after 2 a.m., wearing a light brown long coat, jeans, and dress shoes. He was also captured carrying a blue ice chest, which authorities say contained an improvised explosive device (IED).
“The #FBI is asking witnesses who passed him on the street or saw this blue ice chest containing an IED to contact us,” the agency posted on X (formerly Twitter). The IED was later found near the intersection of Bourbon and Orleans streets, close to the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter.
The Attack
According to authorities, the attack unfolded just after 3 a.m. on January 1. Jabbar drove a truck onto the pavement along Bourbon Street, plowing into crowds of New Year’s revelers in a calculated act of terror. After exiting the vehicle, he fired upon law enforcement officers who responded to the scene. Officers returned fire, fatally wounding him.
The truck, which was rented through a ride-sharing app, was reportedly equipped with additional dangerous materials, raising further concerns about Jabbar’s intentions and planning.
FBI Investigation Ongoing
The FBI’s appeal for public assistance underscores the urgency of their investigation as they piece together Jabbar’s movements and motives. The agency is particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may have interacted with him or seen the blue ice chest prior to the attack.
“This was a calculated and heinous act of terror,” an FBI spokesperson said. “Every detail, no matter how small, could be critical to understanding the full scope of this tragedy.”
Community in Mourning
The attack has left the city of New Orleans reeling. Bourbon Street, a vibrant hub of tourism and nightlife, is a cornerstone of the city’s cultural identity. The violent attack on such a high-profile location has sparked both grief and resilience among residents.
“Our hearts go out to the victims and their families,” said New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell in a statement. “We are working closely with federal and state authorities to ensure every resource is available for the investigation and to bring healing to our community.”
Call to Action
The FBI has set up a dedicated hotline and website for tips related to the attack. Those with information can contact the agency at 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit their online tip portal.
As authorities continue to investigate, they emphasize the importance of public cooperation in uncovering the full details of this devastating event. Residents and visitors are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as the city works to recover from the tragedy.
