NEW ORLEANS — In a harrowing event that unfolded on New Year’s morning, a U.S. Army veteran, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, drove a pickup truck into a crowd of celebrants in New Orleans, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals. The incident has been characterized by President Joe Biden as a “despicable” and “heinous act” following his confirmation that Jabbar had posted videos to social media declaring his inspiration from the Islamic State group and expressing a desire to kill just hours before the attack [AP](https://apnews.com/article/new-orleans-car-attack-bourbon-street-5bbf5fdc715c4d0d4c8764dd8da22720).

The FBI is treating this violent episode as a terrorist act and is investigating the circumstances surrounding the assault. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as Jabbar maneuvered around a police blockade, barreling into revelers and setting off panic. The rampage not only caused loss of life but also left dozens injured, prompting the postponement of a college football playoff game at the nearby Superdome [TIME](https://time.com/7204273/us-army-veteran-new-orleans-attack-inspired-by-islamic-state/).

Zion Parsons, an 18-year-old eyewitness, recounted the horror, likening the truck's actions to a movie scene where victims were thrown into the air. “Bodies, bodies all up and down the street, everybody screaming and hollering,” he said, as he mourned the loss of his friend, Nikyra Dedeaux, who was among the victims [SFGate](https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/us-army-veteran-who-killed-15-in-new-orleans-20010870.php).

Authorities have revealed that Jabbar, a Texas native, had firearms and what appeared to be an improvised explosive device within his vehicle, displaying an Islamic State flag. The New Orleans Police Superintendent, Anne Kirkpatrick, asserted, “This is not just an act of terrorism. This is evil,” emphasizing the level of horror witnessed during the event. Investigators are also probing any potential accomplices involved in the planning of this attack [AP](https://apnews.com/article/new-orleans-car-attack-bourbon-street-5bbf5fdc715c4d0d4c8764dd8da22720).

The FBI's investigation has uncovered multiple improvised explosive devices, including two pipe bombs concealed in coolers. The intelligence bulletin indicated that surveillance footage captured several individuals placing one of these devices, although their identities and involvement remain unverified at this time. Jabbar, who had a military background, was killed by police after he exited his vehicle and opened fire, injuring two officers who are stable [TIME](https://time.com/7204273/us-army-veteran-new-orleans-attack-inspired-by-islamic-state/).

Reflecting on the attack, U.S. Senator John Kennedy remarked on the nature of evil illustrated by the day's events. Meanwhile, Gov. Jeff Landry urged the public to steer clear of affected areas, which remained designated as crime scenes. Despite the tragedy, life proceeded somewhat unaffected in NYC, as many tourists continued with their plans in nearby establishments, showcasing the resilience of the city's spirit [SFGate](https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/us-army-veteran-who-killed-15-in-new-orleans-20010870.php).

Speaking from Camp David, President Biden extended his condolences to the victims and their families, stating, “There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation’s communities.” The ongoing investigation highlights increasing concerns about international terrorism threats, particularly in light of heightened tensions globally [TIME](https://time.com/7204273/us-army-veteran-new-orleans-attack-inspired-by-islamic-state/).