The death toll from the New Orleans "act of terrorism" has risen to 15, with dozens injured after a car rammed into a crowd on Bourbon Street. New Orleans Coroner Dwight McKenna stated that it would take several days to complete autopsies and notify the victims’ next of kin. (PIC/PTI)
Updated On: 2025-01-02 09:19 AM IST
Compiled by : Anisha Shrivastava
The FBI, working alongside New Orleans Police and Homeland Security, has classified the incident as an "act of terrorism". The suspect, Shamsud Din Jabbar, was found with an ISIS flag and multiple suspected explosive devices in his vehicle.
Jabbar, a US citizen from Texas and a former member of the US military, rented the vehicle through the Turo car-sharing platform. The FBI is investigating Jabbar’s potential affiliations with terrorist organisations and has appealed to the public for assistance in gathering information.
FBI Assistant Special Agent Alethea Duncan urged anyone who interacted with Jabbar in the 72 hours before the attack to come forward. An ISIS flag was reportedly attached to the trailer hitch of Jabbar's vehicle, raising concerns about the motive and broader terrorist connections.
The FBI does not believe Jabbar acted alone and is pursuing leads concerning his known associates. In a statement on X, the FBI confirmed that Jabbar engaged with law enforcement following the attack and was killed.
The authorities continue to investigate the tragedy as the public provides videos, photographs, and other information to aid the probe. This attack has heightened security concerns in New Orleans, with investigators emphasising the need for vigilance and community cooperation
