Truck Rams Crowds on Bourbon Street, Kills 15 and Injures Dozens in Vicious Attack; FBI investigates ISIS Motive
A senseless attack on revelers in New Orleans' French Quarter early yesterday morning has left at least 15 people dead and dozens injured. The vehicle, an electric Ford pickup truck rented by a 42-year-old Texas man, crash into the crowd, striking multiple victims before coming to a halt.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas, was identified as the suspect by law enforcement sources. FBI agents claim that Jabbar posted social media videos expressing admiration for ISIS and expressed a desire to carry out attacks just hours before the incident.
"We will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation's communities," said President Joe Biden in a statement, adding that his administration has directed every available resource to support the investigation and prevent any potential threats. "My heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday."
Local police Commissioner Eric Jones described the scene as chaotic, with multiple shots fired before law enforcement responded. Investigators are still working to determine a motive behind Jabbar's actions.
"We live in the fun and games world, with what we do, but we certainly recognize the importance of this and we're going to support it 100%," said Jeff Hundley, CEO of the Sugar Bowl college football playoff game organizers, as they postponed the event due to the aftermath of the incident.
Meanwhile, witnesses described a horrific scene in which multiple people were injured by the truck, some with severe gunshots. One student from the University of Georgia was critically injured and hospitalized. Witnesses attempted to help victims but reported finding them already deceased.
The city has faced criticism in the past for its vulnerability to vehicle attacks, and officials had warned about such incidents following a 2017 memo highlighting the dangers posed by crowded tourist areas like the French Quarter.
President-elect Donald Trump acknowledged the attack on social media, offering condolences to those affected. However, it remains to be seen how his incoming administration will address similar threats in the future.
For now, investigators are working tirelessly to determine Jabbar's role and assess potential motives behind the heinous attack that took place just a block away from one of the city's most densely populated streets. The aftermath of this violent incident has left many on edge, but law enforcement is working around the clock to ensure public safety remains top priority.
"We take these kinds of incidents very seriously," said FBI spokesperson Jillian Burchell in a statement. "Our focus will be on understanding the circumstances leading up to this attack and addressing any potential threat to future events."
Residents are left trying to piece together what happened and seeking answers from officials, as this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present risks facing public safety in America's major cities.