New details have emerged about Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the suspect in the deadly New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans, where a pickup truck was driven into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing at least 10 people and injuring more than 30. Jabbar, 42, was killed in a shootout with police after the attack. An ISIS flag and improvised explosive devices were found in his vehicle, further solidifying suspicions of a terror connection.
Disturbing Pre-Attack Recordings
According to law enforcement officials, Jabbar made a series of chilling recordings just hours before the attack. In the videos, he reportedly discussed plans to kill his family before pivoting to conducting a terrorist attack in New Orleans in the name of ISIS. Authorities believe the recordings reveal a deep desire to kill, with Jabbar citing ISIS as a justification for his actions.
“These recordings are a window into his state of mind,” said a federal investigator familiar with the case. “He wanted to commit violence and found a way to justify it through his association with ISIS.”
A Troubled Domestic Life
Court records reveal that Jabbar had a history of contentious relationships and allegations of abuse. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jabbar’s then-wife, Shaneen Chantil Jabbar, obtained a restraining order against him during their acrimonious divorce. The court order prohibited both parties from threatening or causing bodily harm to each other or their children. It also restricted their ability to remove their children from school or the area without consent.
This was not the first time Jabbar faced domestic issues. A previous wife, who divorced him in 2016, described him as abusive but declined to elaborate further. These accounts paint a picture of a man whose personal life was marked by conflict and control issues.
The Attack
In the early hours of January 1, 2025, Jabbar drove a rented pickup truck into a large crowd celebrating New Year’s on Bourbon Street. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the truck barreled through barricades and into pedestrians. After the vehicle stopped, Jabbar exited and began shooting, injuring two police officers before being fatally shot by law enforcement.
ISIS Affiliation and Radicalization
Investigators have confirmed that an ISIS flag was found in Jabbar’s truck, and they are now examining his communications and digital footprint to uncover any ties to extremist networks. Jabbar’s pre-attack recordings, in which he pledged allegiance to ISIS, suggest a clear motive linked to terrorism.
“This was a calculated act of terror,” said a senior FBI official. “Jabbar sought to inflict maximum harm and align himself with a known terrorist organization.”
A Community in Mourning
The attack has left New Orleans grieving and searching for answers. Vigils have been held across the city to honor the victims, and city officials have called for unity in the face of tragedy.
“This senseless act of violence will not define us,” said New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “We will honor the victims by standing together and ensuring justice is served.”
Ongoing Investigation
The FBI is leading the investigation into Jabbar’s background and possible connections to ISIS. Authorities are also examining his troubled personal life for clues about what led him to carry out this horrific attack. The recordings he made in the hours before the massacre are being analyzed for additional details about his motives and mental state.
National Reactions
The attack has reignited debates about domestic terrorism and national security. President Joe Biden condemned the violence as “an act of terror” and pledged full federal support to the investigation. President-elect Donald Trump also issued a statement, vowing to prioritize measures to combat terrorism during his upcoming administration.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more details emerge.
