The man behind the truck attack in New Orleans on January 1st, which tragically claimed the lives of 14 individuals, had visited the city twice before and had recorded video footage of the French Quarter using hands-free glasses, according to an FBI official on Sunday. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Houston and former U.S. Army soldier, was identified as the perpetrator. Before the attack, Jabbar had also traveled to Cairo, Egypt, and Ontario, Canada, although it was unclear if these trips were linked to the incident.
The attack, which took place early on a Wednesday, resulted in Jabbar being fatally shot by police during a confrontation at the scene on Bourbon Street in the historic French Quarter. The coroner’s report attributed the cause of death for all 14 victims to “blunt force injuries,” with around 30 others sustaining injuries. Thirteen individuals were still hospitalized, eight of whom were in intensive care.
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden were scheduled to visit New Orleans on Monday to offer support to the affected families and community. Jabbar had expressed support for the Islamic State militant group in online videos prior to the attack, marking it as one of the deadliest IS-inspired incidents on U.S. soil in recent years.
Authorities discovered bomb-making materials at Jabbar’s residence in Houston, where he had prepared crude bombs similar to those found in the neighborhood of the attack. Jabbar had procured a vehicle and supplies leading up to the incident, indicating premeditation. The FBI revealed that a transmitter meant to trigger the bombs was found in Jabbar’s rental truck, along with bomb-making materials at his New Orleans rental home.
After crashing the truck, Jabbar emerged wearing protective gear and opened fire on police, injuring two officers before being killed in the exchange. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, with authorities refraining from disclosing specific details about the gunfire exchange or potential bystander injuries.
The Independent Police Monitor stated that investigators are diligently working to track and account for “every single bullet that was fired” during recent events, with a particular focus on determining if any of the shots may have inadvertently hit bystanders.
In anticipation of the upcoming Super Bowl, enhanced security measures have been put in place. Police have implemented the use of multiple vehicles and barricades to restrict traffic flow at the intersection of Bourbon and Canal streets following the incident. To bolster security efforts, various law enforcement agencies have collaborated with local officers to provide additional protection, as confirmed by Reese Harper, a spokesperson for the New Orleans Police Department.
The commencement of the Carnival season leading up to Mardi Gras, which includes the first parade scheduled for Monday, has added to the urgency of ensuring public safety in New Orleans. Moreover, the city is preparing to host the Super Bowl on February 9, further underscoring the necessity for heightened security protocols.
In a previous initiative aimed at safeguarding the French Quarter, the installation of steel columns, commonly referred to as bollards, was carried out to limit vehicular access to Bourbon Street. While these posts were designed to retract to facilitate deliveries to local establishments, they encountered operational issues due to accumulations of debris such as Mardi Gras beads and spilled beverages. Consequently, they ceased functioning reliably, prompting their removal prior to New Year’s Eve. Officials have confirmed plans to reinstate the bollards as part of the security preparations leading up to the Super Bowl.
The tragic attack resulted in the loss of several lives, including an 18-year-old aspiring nurse, a single mother, a father of two, and a former Princeton University football player, among others. The New Orleans coroner’s office has successfully identified all 14 victims, ranging from 18 to 63 years of age, with the majority falling within their 20s. Notably, one of the victims was identified as 31-year-old Edward Pettifer from west London, as confirmed by the Metropolitan Police in London.
Reports from British media revealed that Pettifer was the stepson of Tiggy Legge-Bourke, who previously served as the nanny to Prince William and Prince Harry during the years 1993 to 1999, a period that encompassed the aftermath of Princess Diana’s tragic passing. During a vigil held on Saturday to honor the victims, LaTasha Polk, a mother and nursing assistant in her 40s, was identified as the final individual who lost her life in the attack.
The diligent efforts of law enforcement agencies, alongside ongoing investigations and security enhancements, underscore the collective commitment to upholding public safety and preserving the well-being of communities in the face of adversity.
