FBI Classifies New Orleans New Year’s Attack as Terror, Solo Actor Identified
In a chilling twist to the New Year’s celebration in New Orleans, the FBI has designated the crash attack on Bourbon Street as an act of terror, confirming that Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, 42, acted alone. The grim revelation came at a press conference yesterday, shaking the city and raising fears of potential extremist influences.
Jabbar, a native of the city, had expressed his support for the notorious terror group ISIS in videos posted online, FBI spokesperson Christopher Raia disclosed. In one of these recordings, Jabbar initially contemplated targeting his own family and friends, but later expressed concern that media attention wouldn’t focus on the ‘war between the faithful and infidels.’
The terrifying incident unfolded on New Year’s Day, as Jabbar drove into the bustling festivity of Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, leaving 14 dead and over 30 injured. After exchanging gunfire with responding officers, Jabbar was fatally shot. Two police officers were among the wounded.
Surveillance footage also revealed Jabbar planting two makeshift explosive devices in the area, the FBI reported. Authorities have since recovered several mobile devices and computers from Jabbar’s residence.
At present, there’s no established link between the New Orleans attack and the Tesla battery explosion that occurred later the same day outside a Donald Trump hotel in Las Vegas.
The city of New Orleans and the nation at large remain on edge, grappling with the stark reality of extremist threats and the grim efficiency of solo actors in carrying out devastating attacks. Law enforcement continues to rally their resources to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of the public.
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