Shamsud-Din Jabbar has been identified as the suspect in the horrific attack on New Year's Eve in New Orleans, where at least 10 people were killed and over 30 injured when he allegedly drove his pickup truck into a crowded celebration on Bourbon Street. This tragic incident, which occurred around 3:15 a.m., stands as a national security concern, as it marks the second vehicle-related attack during the holiday season, following a deadly incident at a Christmas market in Germany just weeks prior (Newsweek).

The New Orleans Police Department reported that Jabbar, now 42 years old and originally from Texas, responded to officers with gunfire after his vehicle came to a stop. He was subsequently shot by police and later died from his injuries. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described his motives as {“intentional behavior,”} emphasizing that Jabbar appeared determined to cause as much harm as possible during the festive celebrations

Following the attack, the FBI took lead of the investigation, classifying it as an act of terrorism. Special Agent Alethea Duncan confirmed that Jabbar was a U.S. Army veteran, but details regarding his military service remain unclear as authorities continue to gather more information about his background. Social media has circulated a video of a man with Jabbar's name discussing his military service, though law enforcement has not verified if they are indeed the same person. The man in the video claimed to have served for 10 years as a human resources and IT specialist in the Army (Newsweek).

Governor Jeff Landry addressed the tragic event, expressing his condolences and urging prayers for the victims and first responders. {“A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning,”} he remarked on X, formerly Twitter. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden issued a statement denouncing the violence, asserting there can be no justified reason for such attacks.

In the wake of this attack, the area around Bourbon Street has been placed under lockdown as authorities search for potential improvised explosive devices that may have been linked to Jabbar’s actions. Members of the public are advised to avoid Bourbon Street from Canal to Dumaine streets, and authorities encourage anyone with information to contact the FBI's New Orleans Bureau at (504) 816-3000 or via email at [email protected].