New Orleans Mourns: 15 Killed by Radicalized Ex-Military Member

On January 1, 2025, a former U.S. soldier drove into a crowd, killing at least 15 and injuring around 30. Police are investigating potential accomplices. Who are they?

Deadly New Year’s Day Attack

The dawn of 2025 began with a tragedy when a former American soldier plowed into a crowd during New Year’s celebrations. The incident occurred in the French Quarter of New Orleans, resulting in 15 fatalities and around 30 injuries.

Profile of the Attacker

The assailant, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar from Texas, was a former Army soldier who served from 2007 to 2015, including a stint in Afghanistan. His brother, Abdur Jabbar, told the New York Times that Shamsud-Din converted to Islam early in life and had shown signs of radicalization.

The Attack and Its Aftermath

Driving a pickup truck, Jabbar wreaked havoc in the bustling “Vieux Carré,” killing and injuring dozens before being shot dead by police in a subsequent shootout that also wounded two officers. President Joe Biden condemned the act as a “despicable attack,” noting that the suspect had posted videos online suggesting he was inspired by ISIS and harbored a “desire to kill.”

Ongoing Investigation

Investigators are currently probing Jabbar’s potential connections with terrorist organizations and searching for any accomplices. They are also exploring a possible link with a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas sheriff noted the significance of both vehicles being rented through the Turo car-sharing app, whose spokesperson has confirmed their cooperation with law enforcement.