Additional Coverage:
- New Orleans Truck Attack: Sugar Bowl Postponed, FBI Believes Suspect Wasn’t ‘Solely Responsible’ (Live Updates) (newsbreak.com)
Tragedy on Bourbon Street
Early Wednesday, a horrific incident unfolded on New Orleans’ iconic Bourbon Street. A driver, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, allegedly rammed a truck into a crowd during New Year’s celebrations, killing 10 people and injuring 35.
Terrorism Suspected
Law enforcement identified an ISIS flag in the truck, prompting the FBI to declare the attack an act of terrorism. The FBI is investigating Jabbar’s potential associates and whether he was part of a larger plot.
Sugar Bowl Postponed
The Sugar Bowl college football game was postponed for 24 hours due to the incident. Police emphasized public safety and advised visitors to avoid Bourbon Street.
Victims Identified
Victims include Reggie Hunter of Baton Rouge and Nikyra Dedeaux of Mississippi. An unidentified University of Georgia student was critically injured. Two Israeli citizens were also among the injured.
Suspect’s Background
Jabbar, a 42-year-old Texas native, was honorably discharged from the Army. He had two minor arrests and reportedly faced financial difficulties.
Barriers Failed
Removable metal bollards designed to protect Bourbon Street from vehicles were not in place during the attack. The mayor acknowledged the need to improve security before the Super Bowl in February.
Federal Response
The FBI is leading the investigation, assisted by multiple federal agencies including the ATF, Justice Department, and Department of Homeland Security.
Definition of Terrorism
The FBI defines terrorism as violent acts motivated by ideological or political goals. The agency follows specific guidelines to determine whether an incident qualifies as an act of terrorism.