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Tragedy on Bourbon Street: Updates on Deadly New Orleans Terrorist Attack – 15 Dead
Edited by: Fern Sidman
What began as a night of joyous New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans descended into chaos and devastation when a driver intentionally plowed a pickup truck into the crowd at the iconic Bourbon Street, leaving at least 15 people dead and injuring 35 others. According to a report on Wednesday in The New York Post, the assailant, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, was killed in a subsequent firefight with police officers, during which two officers sustained injuries.
Jabbar, a Texas native with a reported ten-year military background, executed the attack using an electric Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck. As reported by The New York Post, the vehicle bore a black Islamic caliphate flag, a symbol often associated with extremist ideologies. Surveillance footage obtained by Fox 8 New Orleans and referenced by The New York Post shows Jabbar navigating through Canal Street before abruptly turning onto Bourbon Street. Once on Bourbon Street, the truck accelerated rapidly, careening into the densely packed crowd and leaving devastation in its wake.
NEW: Man chokes up as he tells disturbing story about how he thought he and his friends had avoided the New Orleans terrorist until he realized his friend was not with him.
“He was coming up all onto the sidewalk… we had already made it inside the divot, or that is what I… pic.twitter.com/Mto3nGNJpO
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 1, 2025
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, in a statement cited by The New York Post, condemned the act as a “terrorist attack.” The FBI has since taken over the investigation, with authorities examining potential explosives found at the scene. The possibility of further threats remains under scrutiny as investigators comb through evidence from the aftermath of the rampage.
As The New York Post report recounted, Jabbar’s violent path of destruction came to an abrupt end when the truck collided with a crane stationed in the middle of the street. Law enforcement officers confronted Jabbar in a deadly shootout, ending his life but not before two police officers were injured in the exchange of gunfire.
🚨 NYC: Anti-American Keffiyeh-Wearing Traitors Chant for Violent Uprising
⚠️ Before Americans Even Begin to Bury Their Dead
This isn’t a protest.
It’s a declaration of war.
And it’s time to clean house.
👉 P.S. That keffiyeh doesn’t make you a martyr; it makes you a… pic.twitter.com/RLlKBj4XhJ
— Shirion Collective (@ShirionOrg) January 2, 2025
In the wake of the tragedy, Louisiana GOP Representative Clay Higgins delivered a scathing condemnation of the attack on social media. The New York Post quoted Higgins as stating, “These terrorists are subhuman and should be put down like rabid animals. They are not innocent. They are not martyrs. They are lower than pigs.” His unflinching words reflect the profound anger and grief felt by many following the senseless loss of life.
Senator John Kennedy also weighed in on the incident, as noted by The New York Post. In a pointed statement, Kennedy warned federal authorities that he would “chase” them “like they stole Christmas” if they failed to provide transparent answers about the attack. His cryptic yet forceful statement underscored the growing political pressure to address national security concerns and prevent future tragedies.
During a press conference alongside law enforcement officials, Kennedy hinted at disturbing non-public information he had received about Jabbar. The New York Post quoted him as saying, “There’s a lot of information going around. Some of it is actually true. Some of it isn’t.” He emphasized the need for patience while investigations are ongoing but made it clear that full transparency must follow.
“Catch these people and then tell the American people the truth,” Kennedy demanded, as reported by The New York Post. He acknowledged the sensitive nature of ongoing investigations but insisted that once they conclude, the American public—particularly the people of New Orleans—deserve complete clarity about what happened and why.
Remember how Hamas attacked Israel, massacred 1,200 innocent civilians and then the Muslim world rallied behind the murderers?
America just suffered a jihadist attack, dozens are dead and injured, and now a “pro-Palestinian” protest is blocking 6th Ave in NYC, rallying behind… https://t.co/8n22Fp1ASU
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) January 1, 2025
Kennedy’s remarks underscored his frustration with the slow trickle of information. The New York Post quoted him further: “I will promise you this: I will, when it is appropriate in this investigation is complete, you will find out what happened and who was responsible, or I will raise fresh hell and I will chase those in the federal government who are responsible for telling us what happened like they stole Christmas.”
The FBI’s investigation into the incident took a significant turn when officials confirmed that Jabbar may not have acted alone. According to The New York Post, the rented vehicle used in the attack has become a critical piece of evidence, and federal authorities are now exploring whether Jabbar had logistical or operational assistance.
At the press conference cited by The New York Post, an FBI spokesperson revealed, “We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible.” Investigators are actively pursuing leads and examining the role of Jabbar’s known associates. The bureau urged members of the public to come forward with any relevant information about Jabbar, his contacts, or his activities leading up to the attack.
Sources familiar with the investigation told The New York Post that authorities are particularly focused on determining if someone assisted in coordinating the attack, renting the vehicle, or facilitating other logistical elements. Federal agencies are meticulously examining Jabbar’s communication records, financial transactions, and military background as part of their efforts to uncover any accomplices or deeper networks involved in the tragedy.
🚨 JUST IN: New surveillance video shows the New Orleans attacker FLYING down Bourbon Street in New Orleans, causing mass panic
This is horrifying to watch. pic.twitter.com/5NZ5brnbgl
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 1, 2025
Jabbar’s military history adds another layer of complexity to the investigation. As The New York Post reported, Jabbar served in the U.S. Army for ten years, raising questions about whether his military training played a role in the calculated nature of the attack.
In the aftermath of the attach, Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) called for an urgent congressional hearing to investigate potential failures by federal agencies in preventing the tragedy. According to the information provided in The New York Post report, Hawley is demanding that outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and FBI Director Christopher Wray publicly testify before their departures from office on January 20.
In a letter addressed to Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who is set to assume leadership of the Senate Homeland Security Committee on January 3, Hawley called attention to the need for immediate accountability. As quoted by The New York Post, Hawley wrote, “Americans deserve to celebrate in their cities without fear. But for the last four years, the Biden Administration has made them less safe. Public accountability must begin with Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and FBI Director Christopher Wray.”
Hawley’s letter calls for both Mayorkas and Wray to testify publicly about the attack, outlining any failures or lapses in oversight by their respective agencies. The Missouri senator emphasized that transparency is essential to restoring public confidence in national security measures. “When the 119th Congress convenes next week, and you assume leadership of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, I urge you to immediately call Mayorkas and Wray to publicly testify prior to their departure from office,” Hawley stated.
FBI literally photographed the ISIS flag from the truck of the New Orleans terrorist, and still tried to tell us this wasn’t a terrorist attack… pic.twitter.com/BCiZcvXntc
— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) January 1, 2025
The attack has amplified longstanding criticisms from Republican lawmakers about the Biden Administration’s handling of national security and border enforcement. According to the information in The New York Post report, Hawley’s request for a hearing reflects mounting frustration among conservative leaders who argue that insufficient measures have been taken to address domestic terror threats.
The public demand for answers is growing, and Hawley’s call for hearings has struck a chord with many Americans seeking clarity on whether warning signs were missed or protocols failed. As The New York Post report noted, the Missouri senator’s push for accountability aims to ensure that those responsible for safeguarding public safety provide a comprehensive account of what went wrong.
The proposed congressional hearing could become one of the first major acts of oversight in the new Congress, with potential implications for both the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI. Hawley’s insistence on public testimony, as reported by The New York Post, signals a determination to ensure transparency and prevent similar attacks in the future.
Among the critically injured is a student from the University of Georgia, according to the report in The New York Post. The attack has not only shocked the city but has prompted a national outpouring of support and urgent calls for increased measures against domestic terrorism.
Pro-lifers: t*rrorist group
ISIS flag car ramming attack: not a t*rrorist event
What a total joke. pic.twitter.com/pLY1HxGCJr
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 1, 2025
University of Georgia President Jere W. Morehead confirmed the critical injury of one of the university’s students in a statement reported by The New York Post. “At this point, we have learned that a University of Georgia student was critically injured in the attack and is receiving medical treatment. I have spoken to the student’s family and shared my concern, support, and well wishes on behalf of the entire UGA community,” Morehead said. He assured the public that the university would “do everything in our power” to support the student and any other members of the university community affected by this horrific event. The student’s identity has not been publicly released.
In the wake of the tragedy, the highly anticipated Sugar Bowl college football playoff match between the University of Georgia and Notre Dame, initially scheduled for Wednesday night, was postponed to Thursday. According to The New York Post report, the decision was made out of respect for the victims and to ensure public safety during the ongoing investigation.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry urged both locals and tourists to avoid the French Quarter as investigations continue. “This is a fluid situation, and we are in coordination with numerous local and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure a complete and thorough investigation to bring those who may have been part of this incident to justice,” Gov. Landry said, as quoted by The New York Post. The governor reassured the public that ensuring the safety of New Orleans and its residents remains a top priority.
The tragedy has also drawn national attention and condolences from prominent political figures. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed his horror over the attack in a statement cited by The New York Post. “I am horrified by the attack in New Orleans on what should have been a night of celebration,” Jeffries said. He praised law enforcement for their swift and courageous response, noting that their actions likely prevented further loss of life.
Attorney General Merrick Garland also weighed in, sharing his deep sorrow over the loss of life and injuries sustained in the attack. “My heart is broken for those who began their year by learning people they love were killed in this horrific attack, and my prayers are with the dozens who were injured, including the New Orleans Police Department Officers who risked their lives to save others,” Garland said in a statement reported by The New York Post. He confirmed that the FBI is officially treating the incident as an act of terrorism and assured the public that federal agencies, including the FBI, ATF, and Justice Department, are fully mobilized to investigate.
The FBI said it was NOT a terror attack 3 hours after an ISIS flag was seen on his truck….. 🤔
pic.twitter.com/0ZPLX15uJh— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) January 1, 2025
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer added his voice to the chorus of condolences, calling the attack “an unconscionable act of terrorism” in a statement shared by The New York Post. Schumer emphasized the need for stronger anti-terrorism measures both domestically and internationally, while also extending gratitude to first responders who acted swiftly to minimize further casualties.
The investigation into the attack remains ongoing, with federal and local agencies working in tandem to determine whether Jabbar acted alone or had accomplices. As The New York Post previously reported, authorities are examining Jabbar’s connections, the rental of the vehicle, and any potential support networks that may have been involved.
For now, New Orleans remains on high alert, with increased security measures in place as investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy. Meanwhile, the critically injured University of Georgia student remains under medical care, with the support of their family, university community, and countless well-wishers.
The attack serves as a painful reminder of the persistent threat posed by domestic terrorism and the importance of vigilant security measures during public gatherings. As The New York Post emphasizes, the response from local authorities, federal agencies, and national leaders reflects a united determination to bring those responsible to justice and prevent such tragedies from happening again.
