Dr. Jeffrey Elder of the University Medical Center New Orleans informed ABC News Live on Thursday that the death toll is not expected to exceed 15 individuals. At present, sixteen individuals are still receiving treatment at University Medical Center New Orleans, with eight in intensive care.
Authorities revealed that Jabbar, determined to cause harm, drove a pickup truck onto a sidewalk around a parked police car acting as a barricade, targeting pedestrians. Reports indicate that the suspect struck numerous people over a three-block area on a well-known street while shooting into the crowd.
The individual then left the damaged vehicle with an assault rifle and began firing at law enforcement officers. Additional reports mentioned that the suspect was also in possession of a handgun. Jabbar, a U.S.-born citizen from Texas, was fatally shot by officers who returned fire. Two officers sustained injuries during the incident.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick mentioned that security bollards were not functioning due to ongoing replacement work for the upcoming Super Bowl event.
Althea Duncan, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI in New Orleans, reported that improvised explosive devices and other weapons were discovered inside the truck, with two additional IEDs found in the French Quarter area. Law enforcement sources indicated that the IEDs were deemed viable, and efforts were made to locate more devices in the city.
The FBI’s New Orleans field office confirmed that multiple search warrants were executed in various locations, including New Orleans and other states. A residence in Houston was among those searched, with authorities stating that there is no immediate threat to residents in that area.
President Joe Biden highlighted that the FBI informed him of Jabbar’s social media activity expressing inspiration from ISIS and a desire to commit violence mere hours before the attack. Biden also mentioned that the suspect had a history of military service, including active duty and reserve duty in the Army.
Numerous vehicles and individuals were observed in close proximity to the area where a disturbing incident unfolded during New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 1, 2025. According to Eduardo Munoz/Reuters, the scene of a vehicle plowing into a crowd drew a significant law enforcement presence.
In light of President Biden’s remarks, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is diligently examining the videos alluded to, shedding light on a sequence of events that unfolded as the suspect traversed from Texas to Louisiana, as confirmed by sources in law enforcement to ABC News. Despite the videos being shrouded in darkness, the suspect’s voice is audible as he discusses personal matters such as his divorce and an alarming desire to harm members of his own family, ultimately culminating in a decision to execute the attack on Bourbon Street, as relayed by said law enforcement sources.
Moreover, the suspect is heard making references to ISIS in the videos, further deepening the investigation. Accompanying the text is an undated photo of Shamsud-Din Jabbar provided by the FBI.
In a separate but concerning development, sources have disclosed that the ongoing investigation surrounding the Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas has steered authorities towards Colorado. The incident, which occurred outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, is currently under scrutiny as a potential act of terrorism, as stated by an official. Tragically, the driver of the Cybertruck lost his life, while seven bystanders sustained minor injuries. The motive behind this incident is still subject to investigation, though law enforcement personnel have conveyed to ABC News their belief that the act was deliberate.
Interestingly, both the Cybertruck involved in the Las Vegas explosion and the vehicle utilized in the New Orleans attack were reportedly rented through the Turo app, according to reliable sources cited by ABC News. Despite the Cybertruck driver’s background in the Army special forces, there is currently no substantial evidence linking him to the suspect in the New Orleans case, as elucidated by an official privy to the investigation.
The narrative surrounding these events continues to evolve rapidly, with updates anticipated in the near future. Readers are encouraged to monitor the situation closely for the latest developments.
As per sources, authorities in New Orleans have indicated that they are not actively pursuing any additional suspects in connection with the incident, as reported on abcnews.go.com.
