Terror: FBI names US Army veteran Shamsuddin Jabbar in New Orleans carnage
Virendra Pandit
New Delhi: A United States Army veteran, Shamsuddin Jabbar, suspected to have terror links, has been named as the key suspect in the New Orleans carnage on the eve of the New Year’ in which at least 15 people died and 35 were wounded, the media reported on Thursday.
Shamsuddin Jabbar, 42, drove a rented electric vehicle into large crowds on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street in Louisiana during the early hours of New Year celebrations. The FBI is investigating his possible terrorist links.
Around 3:15 am local time on New Year’s Day, a Ford pickup truck rammed into large crowds gathered on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans. CCTV footage revealed a white Ford F-150 Lightning veering onto the pavement to bypass a police vehicle before colliding with pedestrians.
Police described the act as “highly deliberate,” identifying the driver as Shamsuddin Jabbar, who, they said was “hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did,” the BBC reported.
Jabbar was also armed and exchanged fire with law enforcement officials, injuring two of them before being fatally shot by police.
The FBI identified the attacker as Jabbar, a US citizen and Army veteran from Texas. A flag linked to the Islamic State group was discovered in the vehicle, and the FBI is investigating potential ties Jabbar may have had with terrorist organizations. Investigators suspect he may not have acted alone, as improvised explosive devices were found in the vicinity.
Officials also recovered a long gun equipped with a suppressor from the scene.
Jabbar’s now-deleted LinkedIn profile indicated he served in various roles in the US Army, including human resources and IT, before being discharged. He earned a degree in Computer Information Systems from Georgia State University between 2015 and 2017 and briefly worked in real estate. He also had a criminal record involving theft and traffic violations.
The electric pickup truck he used in the attack was reportedly rented in Texas through an app.
Jabbar was married twice, with his second marriage ending in divorce in 2022. During the divorce proceedings, he disclosed financial difficulties in an email sent to his wife’s attorney, according to The New York Times.
Authorities reported that 15 people died and at least 35 were injured, although the victims’ names have not yet been made public. A University of Georgia student was critically injured, and the Israeli government confirmed two of its nationals were among the wounded. Most victims are believed to be locals, despite New Orleans being packed with tourists for New Year celebrations and the now-delayed Sugar Bowl college football game.
Bourbon Street is famous for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, restaurants, and live music venues. The area is a major attraction for locals and tourists alike, especially during New Year’s celebrations. Founded by the French in 1718, the French Quarter retains its original street grid and serves as a hub for festivities. It is particularly famous for its annual Mardi Gras carnival, which draws over a million visitors each spring.
