In a shocking start to the New Year, a deadly attack occurred in New Orleans, Louisiana, during New Year’s Eve celebrations, leading to widespread condemnation and urgent investigations by federal and local authorities. The incident, which unfolded on Bourbon Street in the early hours of January 1st, claimed the lives of 10 people and injured 35 others, leaving the nation in mourning and raising concerns about domestic security.

The attacker, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas, drove a Ford pickup truck into a crowd before opening fire on local law enforcement officers. Jabbar was killed at the scene after being struck by return fire from the police. The vehicle, adorned with an ISIS flag and containing weapons and an improvised explosive device (IED), prompted officials to label the act as terrorism. Further investigations uncovered additional potential IEDs in the French Quarter, intensifying the response by federal agencies.

Presidential Responses

President Joe Biden, in a formal statement, assured the public that the FBI is leading a comprehensive federal investigation into the attack, emphasizing the government’s commitment to deploying every available resource to ensure safety and uncover the truth. “There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation’s communities,” Biden stated.

Similarly, President-elect Donald Trump expressed outrage and solidarity with the victims. He highlighted the incident as evidence supporting his longstanding concerns about crime in the U.S. “Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones,” Trump posted on social media, pledging to back New Orleans in its recovery and investigation efforts.

Federal and Local Responses

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and the city’s police chief classified the attack as intentional and described it as a “terrorist act.” Attorney General Merrick Garland confirmed the FBI’s involvement, with collaboration from the ATF, the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

The FBI’s ongoing investigation seeks to determine Jabbar’s potential ties to terrorist organizations and how he acquired the vehicle, reportedly rented. Louisiana officials have postponed the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal, originally scheduled for January 1st, to prioritize public safety.

Political and Community Reactions

Federal and state leaders have united to address the aftermath of the attack. Rep. Troy Carter (D-La.) affirmed that every level of government is collaborating to ensure justice and transparency. “The president has made it very clear that he intends to bring every resource to bear,” Carter emphasized.

Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) vowed to push for accountability and detailed explanations, stating, “You will find out what happened and who was responsible, or I will raise fresh hell.”

Suspect’s Background

The Pentagon confirmed that Jabbar served in the U.S. Army as a human resource and information specialist from 2007 to 2015 and continued in the Army Reserve for five years. He was deployed to Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010, leaving the military with the rank of staff sergeant. Authorities are investigating any connections between his military service and subsequent actions.

The FBI’s Houston office is also conducting related law enforcement activities, indicating a broader scope to the investigation.

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing challenges of addressing domestic terrorism and ensuring public safety during large-scale events.

For further details, you can access the original article here: Politico’s report on the New Orleans attack.