Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has provided a crucial update on the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans, revealing new information about the tragic event.
At a Glance
- At least 14 people were killed and 35 were injured in New Orleans on New Year’s Day.
- Suspect Shamsud-Din Jabbar is believed to have acted alone.
- The attack is being investigated as a premeditated act of terrorism.
- Authorities suspect multiple individuals were involved.
Details of the Tragedy
Bourbon Street in New Orleans became the scene of a horrifying attack, with Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Army veteran, driving a truck into pedestrians before firing into the crowd. At least fourteen people lost their lives, and 35 others were injured. Jabbar died during the attack, and authorities have since deemed his act as premeditated terrorism.
Authorities believe Jabbar acted alone during the initial attack. Surveillance footage shows him placing explosive devices and changing clothes beforehand, hinting at the attack’s deliberate nature.
ABC57's @levonwhitt_tv and @VahidTV spoke with Louisiana Attorney General Liz Merrill, following the vehicle terror attack that took place on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.https://t.co/DAfc7C1X6d pic.twitter.com/lflbN5SvN4
— ABC57 News (@ABC57News) January 2, 2025
Investigation and Federal Actions
The FBI has been thoroughly investigating the attack, exploring any links Jabbar may have had with domestic or foreign contacts. President Joe Biden has assured the investigation is complete and seeks any connections the suspect may have harbored that contributed to this tragedy.
“Federal law enforcement and the intelligence community are actively investigating any foreign or domestic contacts in connection that could possibly be relevant to the attack,” Biden said on Thursday.
During searches across New Orleans and Houston, authorities discovered Jabbar had posted videos online pledging allegiance to ISIS, with an ISIS flag found in his truck. This revelation furthers the notion of a broader scheme behind the attack.
The Justice Department issued the following statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland following the attack in New Orleanshttps://t.co/TYmKCJioIO pic.twitter.com/PlILm8EGpu
— U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) January 2, 2025
Community and Response
The New Orleans community remains devastated. The site has since been cleared and reopened; however, the emotional aftermath lingers. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill emphasizes that ongoing investigation efforts aim to learn the complete truth.
“We do believe that there were multiple people that were involved in working with the driver of the vehicle,” Ms. Murrill said, although adding that information about the identities and locations of those individuals is still unknown.
Public figures expressed their condolences and concerns regarding the safety and preparedness of New Orleans. Security measures failed due to bollards not being operational—an issue exacerbated by staffing replacements for the Sugar Bowl.
