New information has surfaced about Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the suspect behind the devastating New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans, where at least 15 people were killed and dozens more injured after a truck plowed into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street. Authorities are now uncovering disturbing details about Jabbar’s life, his path to radicalization, and his connection to the terrorist group ISIS.
A Chilling Trail of Videos
Investigators have obtained a series of videos recorded by Jabbar during his journey from Texas to Louisiana. In these recordings, he discussed plans to kill his family during a “celebration” before ultimately deciding to join ISIS. Jabbar claimed that dreams inspired his decision to align himself with the terrorist organization. The videos, which appear to have been filmed at night while he was driving, reveal his state of mind leading up to the attack.
The recordings are a key piece of evidence as law enforcement works to piece together how Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran and once a respected professional, became radicalized and committed this act of terror.
Military Background and Radicalization
Jabbar, 42, served in the U.S. Army from 2007 to 2015 as a human resources and information technology specialist. He deployed to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010 and later served in the Army Reserve until 2020, leaving the service as a staff sergeant. While his military service was marked by leadership and discipline, investigators are now probing whether his deployment to Afghanistan or other factors contributed to his eventual radicalization.
A Troubled Personal Life
Court documents reveal a tumultuous personal life, including two divorces and a history of financial troubles. Jabbar’s first wife filed a lawsuit for child support shortly after their divorce, and his second wife obtained a temporary restraining order against him during their separation in 2020. The restraining order cited allegations of discord and conflict.
In recent years, Jabbar faced mounting financial struggles, including a house in foreclosure, a failing business, and significant credit card debt. These stressors may have contributed to his radicalization and decision to carry out the attack.
The Attack and Aftermath
On January 1, 2025, Jabbar drove a rented Ford F-150 Lightning truck through a crowded section of Bourbon Street, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more. He engaged in a gunfight with police officers before being fatally shot. Authorities later discovered improvised explosive devices and an ISIS flag in the truck.
The FBI has classified the incident as an act of terrorism. Investigators are now reviewing Jabbar’s connections, both online and offline, to determine whether he acted alone or was part of a larger network.
Professional Life and Public Persona
Jabbar’s professional resume painted a vastly different picture from the man who carried out this heinous act. He earned degrees in computer science and information technology from Central Texas College and Georgia State University, later working for major consulting firms like Deloitte and Accenture.
In a 2020 YouTube video titled “Personal Introduction,” Jabbar presented himself as a disciplined and driven real estate agent. Sitting beside a framed poster with the word “Discipline,” he spoke about the values he learned during his military service. That video, along with other online content, has since been removed.
The Truck and Final Journey
The truck used in the attack was rented through Turo, a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform. Authorities are investigating how Jabbar selected and rented the vehicle, as well as whether he modified it for the attack. The platform has since disabled the listing for the truck.
Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to unravel the full scope of Jabbar’s radicalization, including the influence of extremist ideologies and his motivations for targeting the New Year’s celebration. The videos he recorded are being analyzed for additional clues, while investigators are interviewing individuals who interacted with him in his personal and professional life.
The attack has left New Orleans in mourning, with community leaders calling for unity and resilience in the face of terror. As authorities continue their work, the nation grapples with the unsettling reality of domestic radicalization and its devastating consequences.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more details emerge.
