In a shocking turn of events, a terror attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day has left at least 15 people dead and dozens injured after a pickup truck was driven into a crowd on Bourbon Street. Federal authorities are investigating the incident as an “act of terrorism”, with FBI officials confirming that the driver, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, had an ISIS flag in the vehicle and was killed in a shootout with the police (The Hill).

Law enforcement has indicated that Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas, may not have acted alone. Surveillance footage reportedly captured several individuals setting up improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the vicinity of the attack (The Hill). FBI Houston is currently conducting related law enforcement activities in Texas (The Hill).

U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his "anger and frustration" regarding the incident, stating that there is "no justification for violence of any kind" (The Hill). In the wake of the attack, all local officials have condemned the violence, with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry calling it a "horrific act" and affirming that the investigation will utilize all available resources (The Hill).

The chaos surrounding the attack led to the postponement of the Sugar Bowl football game scheduled to take place at the nearby Caesars Superdome. The venue was locked down for security sweeps following the incident. Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley stated the decision was made in the interest of public safety (The Hill).

As investigations proceed, lawmakers have pledged not to relent in their pursuit of justice. Senator Bill Cassidy described the attack as a tragedy that “turns our New Year to grief,” while others emphasized a commitment to returning New Orleans to a city of peace and resilience (The Hill).