New Orleans, AP – A FBI official revealed on Sunday that the man behind the truck attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, which claimed the lives of 14 individuals, had visited the city on two occasions prior to the incident. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Houston and a former U.S. Army soldier, recorded footage of the French Quarter using hands-free glasses during his visits. Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia mentioned that Jabbar had also traveled to Cairo, Egypt, and Ontario, Canada before the attack, although the connection to the incident was still under investigation.
The attack, which took place early on Wednesday, was carried out by Jabbar. Police shot and killed the 42-year-old at the scene of the crash on Bourbon Street, a renowned area in the historic French Quarter known for its vibrant atmosphere. The coroner’s office attributed the cause of death for all 14 victims to “blunt force injuries,” with around 30 others sustaining injuries. Thirteen individuals were still receiving treatment at the University Medical Center New Orleans, with eight 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 members. Prior to the attack, Jabbar had expressed his allegiance to the Islamic State group in online videos. This incident marked the deadliest IS-inspired assault on U.S. soil in years, highlighting the rising threat of international terrorism, as per federal officials.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas described the evolving threat landscape in the country, pointing to both foreign terrorism and an increase in homegrown violent extremism. Law enforcement officials revealed that Jabbar had reserved the vehicle used in the attack more than six weeks prior and possessed bomb-making materials at his Houston residence. Crude bombs were discovered in the vicinity of the attack, while investigators found bomb-making materials at Jabbar’s rented home in New Orleans.
Following the crash, Jabbar emerged from the truck armed and wearing protective gear, firing at police officers and injuring at least two before being shot dead. The New Orleans police department refrained from disclosing specific details about the gunfire exchange, citing an ongoing investigation.
The Independent Police Monitor stated that investigators are diligently working to track and analyze every single bullet fired during the recent incident, with particular attention to determining whether any stray bullets may have hit bystanders.
In light of enhanced security measures planned ahead of the upcoming Super Bowl event, law enforcement authorities have strategically utilized multiple vehicles and barricades to restrict traffic flow at the intersection of Bourbon and Canal streets following the attack. Reese Harper, a spokesperson for the New Orleans Police Department, confirmed that additional security support from various law enforcement agencies has been deployed to bolster the city officers’ efforts in ensuring public safety.
As the city gears up for the bustling Carnival season leading to Mardi Gras, the first parade was scheduled to kick off on Monday. Furthermore, preparations are underway for the upcoming Super Bowl scheduled for February 9 in New Orleans. In a previous initiative aimed at safeguarding the French Quarter, the city had installed steel bollards along Bourbon Street to control vehicular access. However, the functionality of these bollards was compromised due to accumulation of debris such as Mardi Gras beads and beer, rendering them unreliable. Consequently, the bollards were removed in time for the New Year’s Eve celebrations, but officials have assured that they will be reinstated prior to the Super Bowl event.
All 14 victims of the tragic attack have been identified by the New Orleans coroner’s office. The victims ranged in age from 18 to 63, with the majority falling in their twenties. Among those who lost their lives were an aspiring 18-year-old nurse, a single mother, a father of two, and a former Princeton University football star. Notably, one of the victims was 31-year-old Edward Pettifer from west London, as confirmed by the Metropolitan Police in London. Reports from British media outlets revealed that Pettifer was the stepson of Tiggy Legge-Bourke, who notably served as the nanny for Prince William and Prince Harry during a significant period in their lives, including the aftermath of Princess Diana’s tragic passing.
During a poignant vigil held on Saturday to honor the victims, family members identified LaTasha Polk as the final victim of the attack. Polk, a mother and nursing assistant in her forties, was among those who tragically lost their lives in the senseless act of violence that shook the community. As the investigation continues to unfold, authorities remain dedicated to ensuring that justice is served for all the victims and their loved ones impacted by this devastating event.
