Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the suspect in the New Orleans New Year’s Eve terrorist attack, has been identified by the FBI. Jabbar drove a rented pickup truck into a crowded Bourbon Street celebration, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens. He then exited the vehicle and opened fire on police officers before being fatally shot. Authorities are investigating the attack as an act of terrorism.
Jabbar, a U.S.-born citizen from Texas, was an Army veteran with an honorable discharge, serving from 2007 to 2015 and later in the Army Reserves until 2020. He deployed to Afghanistan and received numerous military commendations, including the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the NATO Medal. Before his military service, he briefly enlisted in the Navy but was discharged without completing training.
Court documents reveal a tumultuous personal life, including two divorces and missed child support payments for his two children. While Jabbar had minor charges from 2002 and 2005, no significant criminal history suggested a predisposition for violence. Investigators are now examining his background to determine potential motives and connections.
The attack has raised security concerns, with officials emphasizing vigilance during public celebrations. The FBI continues to investigate, seeking to understand the circumstances that led to this tragic incident.
