National Guard deployed to “secure” city

Governor Jeff Landry declared that he was deploying a military police company from the Louisiana National Guard after a man plowed his vehicle into crowds that were celebrating New Year’s Eve on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Ten fatalities have been confirmed, while thirty others have suffered injuries.

The task force will include 100 personnel to help assist local law enforcement, state police, and the FBI, he said. Landry also issued an emergency declaration in Orleans Parish to free up necessary resources to respond to the attack, according to The Advocate.

“It is important for our citizens and guests of this state to know that we’re doing everything we can to secure their safety and the city,” said the governor.

Police ‘turning over every stone’ to find remaining suspects

US Representative Troy Carter echoed earlier comments about more than one person being involved in this morning’s attack.

Rep Carter told CNN: “There is an ongoing investigation which limits our ability to talk much more than that, other than to clearly say that this coward did not act alone, and our resources are on the ground turning over every stone. There will not be a rock big enough for them to hide.”

Investigators say video shows three men and woman planting IED

Investigators have reviewed video showing three men and a woman placing an improvised explosive device in connection with the car attack that killed at least 10 people in New Orleans’ French Quarter.
That’s according to a Louisiana State Police bulletin obtained by The Associated Press.
The revelation could help explain why officials at a Wednesday news conference said that they were aggressively hunting for additional suspects and did not believe the driver of the pickup truck, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, acted alone.

Suspect not “solely responsible” for attack, FBI reveals

Last night (Weds) the FBI revealed they did not believe Jabbar was “solely responsible” for the attack.
Assistant special agent in charge Alethea Duncan said: “We are aggressively running down every lead, including those of his known associates.
“That’s why we need the public’s help. We are asking if anybody has any interactions with Shamsud-Din Jabbar in the last 72 hours that you contact us.
“The FBI is asking the public’s help. We’re asking anyone who has information.”In a court document Jabbar filed in August 2022 as part of a divorce proceeding, he said he worked at the accounting firm Deloitte and made about $120,000 (£96,000) a year.The area was particularly crowded ahead of the Sugar Bowl college football playoff game that had been scheduled for later in the day at the nearby Superdome but it was later postponed for 24 hours.

New Orleans had been “tried by fire before”

New Orleans has overcome past challenges and will overcome today’s terror attack too, according to the city’s police chief.

“This city has been tried by fire before, but fire purifies. Fire makes things stronger. We have a plan. We know what to do. We are going to get these people. There is a path forward,” Anne E. Kirkpatrick, New Orleans Police Department Superintendent said.

She drew attention to the declining murder rate in the city.

“Just two years ago, we were the murder capital of America. Today, from that time two years ago, we have driven our murder rate more than 50% down,” the superintendent said. “So we have a track record, but this is different, because it’s terrorism.”

Investigators believe suspect was Army veteran

The terrorist is thought to have been a veteran of the US Army who received an honorable discharge, according to the FBI.

Alethea Duncan, the FBI assistant special agent in charge for New Orleans, made the comment during a press conference Wednesday afternoon.

New Orleans Mayor says mission underway to keep residents safe

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has thanked world leaders and officials in the country for their support.

“The mission now is to facilitate support and coordinate safety procedures to keep our residents and our visitors safe,” Cantrell said in a news conference Wednesday afternoon.

“We are committed, no doubt, to uncovering all details surrounding this tragedy, and we are taking every necessary step to put even more safety procedures in place, especially given the nature of the investigation,” she added.

She advised people should avoid visiting the scene unless absolutely necessary.

State of emergency declared

A press conference is being held, with officials telling the media that a state of emergency has been declared in New Orleans.

Governor Jeff Landry made the announcement, adding that the Athe Superdome – where a major football game is due to happane tomorrow – is safe.

Suspect did not act alone, authorities tell press conference

More than 30 people were injured as Wednesday’s attack turned festive Bourbon Street into macabre mayhem.

The FBI is investigating it as an act of terrorism and said it does not believe the driver acted alone. An Islamic State group flag was found on the vehicle’s trailer hitch, the FBI said.

Investigators also found guns and pipe bombs, which were concealed within coolers, according to a Louisiana State Police intelligence bulletin obtained by The Associated Press. Both devices were wired for remote detonation, and a corresponding remote control was discovered inside the suspect’s truck, the bulletin said.

The FBI identified the driver as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen from Texas and said it is working to determine Jabbar’s potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations.

“We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible,” Alethea Duncan, an assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s New Orleans field office, said at a news conference

New Orleans attack suspect pictured – what we know about Shamsud Din Jabbar

Police have named the suspect behind the horrifying attack on New Year revellers in New Orleans which killed ten people, when a car was driven into a crowd.

Earlier today, as people were celebrating the arrival of 2025, an SUV ploughed into those out celebrating. Ten were killed and another 35 injured, in what the mayor has described as a terrorist attack.

The FBI has identified the suspect as US citizen Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who it is claimed was carrying an ISIS flag at the time of the attack. After crashing the car, he is said to have got out and fired on nearby police officers. Two cops were hurt before Jabbar – who worked in the US military for a decade -was fatally shot by police.

The vehicle used in the horror incident was linked to the 42-year-old and the FBI is reportedly investigating him over potential ISIS links. Jabbar’s car is registered in Houston, Texas, which had crossed the US-Mexico border just two days ago.

American Jabbar, who was from Beaumont, Texas before moving to Houston, said on a YouTube video he travelled with the military for ten years as a human resources specialist. He listed one job as ‘technology operations manager’ in the US Army Reserve.

The 42-year-old was previously a real estate agent. Jabbar’s previous history with police include an arrested for a theft in Texas in 2002 and driving with an invalid license in the same state in Texas in 2005.

Vehicle-ramming is straight out of ISIS new playbook of using vehicles as weapons

The truck attack in New Orleans appears to have been a type of terrorism recommended by ISIS.

In the past decade, there have been several high-profile attacks using vehicles, including one involving a right-wing Saudi national who mowed down a crowd gathered for a Christmas market in Germany.

In a 2010 article, Al Qaeda’s Yemen branch described the method as the “Ultimate Mowing Machine” and encouraged followers to “mow down the enemies of Allah”. Four-wheel pickup trucks were the recommended vehicle because of their size.

“To achieve maximum carnage, you need to pick up as much speed as you can while still retaining good control of your vehicle in order to maximize your inertia and be able to strike as many people as possible in your first run,” the article said.

Eyewitnesses recall “bodies and screams” after attack

Two witnesses have recalled the horror moment a suspected terrorist “punched the gas” and mowed down a crowd celebrating New Year’s Eve in New Orleans this morning.

One woman said: “The guy in the pickup truck just punched the gas and mowed over the barricade and hit a petty cab passenger,” she said as her voice began to catch with emotion.

“And there were just bodies and the screams. I mean, you can’t un-think about, you know, un-hear that. It was chaos.”

She said it was “very, very scary”. When she first saw the car, she didn’t think anything of it. “It was the most bizarre thing,” she told NBC News. “I don’t even know how he managed to maneuver that with the amount of traffic and people that were still out.”

FBI adds further details about suspect identity

The FBI confirmed Jabbar’s identity in a statement, adding that he was driving a Ford pick-up truck “which appears to have been rented.”

“An ISIS flag was located in the vehicle and the FBI is working to determine the subject’s potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organisations,” the statement read.

It confirmed that weapons and a potential IED (improvised explosive device) were also located in the vehicle.
“Other potential IEDs were also located in the French Quarter,” it added.

“The FBI’s Special Agent Bomb Technicians are working with our law enforcement partners to determine if any of these devices are viable and they will work to render those devices safe.”

Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar served in military for 10 years and worked as real estate agent

The dead suspect was identified as Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, according to multiple officials.

He was claimed to carrying an ISIS flag at the time of his attack. American Jabbar, who was from Beaumont, Texas before moving to Houston, said on a YouTube video he travelled with the military for ten years as a human resources specialist. He listed one job as ‘technology operations manager’ in the US Army Reserve. The 42-year-old was previously a real estate agent.

Local records in Texas show the suspect was charged many years ago with two minor crimes. In 2002, he was arrested in Katy, Texas, for misdemeanour theft. Three years later, he was arrested by Beaumont police for driving with an invalid license, also a misdemeanour.

University of Georgia student among those critically injured in attack

A University of Georgia student was one of the victims critically injured in this morning’s attack in New Orleans’ French Quarter, the university’s president has said.

“At this point, we have learned that a University of Georgia student was critically injured in the attack and is receiving medical treatment,” President Jere W. Morehead said in a statement. “I have spoken to the student’s family and shared my concern, support and well wishes on behalf of the entire UGA community.”

The president didn’t provide the name of the injured student.

Suspect was US citizen, sources say

Two sources familiar with the investigation have told CNN that the suspect was a US citizen.

Additional information on the suspect – who died at the scene – has not yet been shared.

Suspect in vehicle ramming attack named

Police have named the suspect behind the horrifying attack on New Year revellers in New Orleans, as a car was driven into a crowd.

Earlier today, as people were celebrating the arrival of 2025, an SUV ploughed into those out celebrating. Ten were killed and another 35 injured, in what the mayor has described as a terrorist attack.

Officers have now preliminarily identified the suspect asas 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar.

“Please join me in praying for the victims and their families, as well as our first responders, in the wake of this horrific act of violence on Bourbon Street,” said Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., in a post on X.

New Orleans attack suspect named – what we know about man who drove into crowd

Suspect was carrying ISIS flag on back of truck

The suspect was carrying an ISIS flag at the time of the incident, law enforcement sources have told CNN.

One of the sources added that they had found a number of explosive devices in an ice chest in the pickup truck.

Investigators are currently looking into any possible associates and the political or religious views of the suspect. And whether he is linked to a known terrorist organisation.

Tourists horrified after New Orleans attack

Tourists in New Orleans for the New Year’s celebrations have been left horrified after the ramming attack that killed 10.

Alabama woman Kimberly Strickland was in the city to attend a concert with her husband and was driving on Bourbon Street when the truck blasted through traffic.

“The guy in the pickup truck just punched the gas and mowed over the barricade and hit pedicab passengers. There were just bodies and the screams. I mean, you can’t unhear that. It was chaos and very, very scary,” she said.

She added: “It was just, like, debris and everything, and then people. It was unreal, just total chaos.”

Huge Airbnb fire linked to horror car attack in New Orleans that killed 10

A fire at an Airbnb in New Orleans has been linked to the horror New Year’s Day attack which killed 10 people, as officials suggested it was used by the suspect.

Earlier today, as people were celebrating the arrival of 2025, an SUV ploughed into those out celebrating. Ten were killed and another 35 injured, in what the mayor has described as a terrorist attack.

While the horror was unfolding, dozens of people were evacuated from the St Rocha area or the city. Sources within the local police force told Nola they believe an Airbnb in the area was being rented by the suspect behind the sickening Bourbon Street attack.

Huge Airbnb fire linked to horror car attack in New Orleans that killed 10

Suspect reportedly wore body armour during attack

The suspect killed after the deadly car-ramming attack in New Orleans had been wearing body armour during the rampage, it has been reported.

Two investigating sources told CBS News that he was wearing body armour at the time. The sources added that investigators are currently anaylsing potential explosive devices found near the scene.

President elect Donald Trump chimes in on New Orleans terror attack

President-elect Donald Trump has issued his first statement on the ramming attack that killed 10 in New Orleans today.

In a post on Twitter, he wrote: “Criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country”.

He added that the country’s crime rate is at a level “nobody has ever seen before”.

FBI data from last year showed how violent crime in the US was actually down 3 per cent from 2022 to 2023.

He added that his administration would “fully support” the city’s investigation.

“Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department,” Trump said.

Truck used was rented through car-sharing app

The Ford F150 truck used in the attack was rented through the carsharing Turo app.

Speaking to ABC, truck owner Rodrigo Diaz said he’d rented the vehicle to someone through Truro. Mr Diaz said that he was currently speaking with FBI officials.

Speaking to ABC, his wife Dora said they were devastated that his truck had been used for mass murder.

“My husband rents cars through the Turo app. I can’t tell you anything else. I’m here with my kids, and this is devastating,” she said.

Joe Biden praises law enforcement’s “brave and swift” response

President Joe Biden has praised law enforcement in New Orleans for their “brave and swift” action, which prevented an even larger death toll, he said.

In a written statement, he pledged full federal support over the “horrific incident”, which killed 10 and injured dozens.

“I have directed my team to ensure every resource is available as federal, state, and local law enforcement work assiduously to get to the bottom of what happened as quickly as possible and to ensure that there is no remaining threat of any kind,” the president wrote.

FBI investigating whether long-gun rifle used

The FBI and local law enforcement are investigating whether the suspect used a long-gun rifle and fired it into the crowd while ramming in to people on Bourbon Street this morning.

Three senior law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation told NBC News that the vehicle used is a key piece of evidence. They are using the Texas license plate as a means of fleaning more information about the suspect. On the rear of the vehicle, a white stick or pipe with a black cloth wrapped around it was found. Investigators believe the cloth may be a flag.

New Orlenas Mayor gives statement after horror attack

Questions raised over how driver could get around security measures

Officials in New Orleans previously said that bollards and barriers had been installed in order to keep revellers safe for festivities this New Year’s Day.

According to local police superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, the driver found a way of going “around” the barricades to carry out what is now being described as an act of terror.

New Orleans Police Department had also said that it would be “100 per cent” staffed ahead of the celebrations, and for the Sugar Bowl football event, which was due to take place tonight. They had brought in an additional 300 officers from partner law enforcement agencies.

While they didn’t mention barriers being erected, the bollards are usually used to prevent vehicles from entering Bourbon Street, where they attack took place.

Speaking to NBC News, an eyewitness had said there was an absence of steel bollards in the area. They were surprised that they were not in place for the major celebration.

“There were no barricades,” Jimmy Cothran told the broadcaster in a phone interview today. “Me and my friend were surprised because they hadn’t put them up,” he said.

New Orleans police officers praised for running towards danger

An awe-inspiring video shows the moment a group of brave police officers immediately sprinted towards the attacker when they realised people were in danger.

Political commentator and Trump supporter Gunther Eaglemann wrote: “God Bless the policemen and women of New Orleans. Not a moment of hesitation. As soon as they knew there was danger, they sprinted towards trouble.”

God Bless the policemen and women of New Orleans.

Not a moment of hesitation. As soon as they knew there was danger, they sprinted towards trouble.

pic.twitter.com/cWj4MRcHCd

— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) January 1, 2025

Confusion reigns as Mayor and FBI contradict each other over motive

Social media users have drawn attention to how different officials seem confused over the motive behind the attack.

One Twitter user shared a video of a speech, first from the New Orleans Mayor, who described the incident as a “terror attack”. Moments later, an FBI spokesperson took the podium and said it was not terror related.

The FBI has now confirmed that they are investigating the incident as an “act of terrorism”.

“This morning, an individual drove a car into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing a number of people and injuring dozens of others,” the FBI said in a statement. “The subject then engaged with local law enforcement and is now deceased. The FBI is the lead investigative agency, and we are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism.”

This is unbelievable. The mayor of New Orleans confirmed it was a terrorist attack, and literally minutes later, at the same press conference, an FBI spokesperson stated it was not a terrorist attack. pic.twitter.com/FbTyG3VNXt

— Vince Langman (@LangmanVince) January 1, 2025

US Speaker brands attack ‘pure evil’ and as he demanded swift justice

Mike Johnson, the US Speaker of the House, has branded this morning’s attack in New Orleans an “act of pure evil” in a Twitter post.

“The vicious attack on innocent people celebrating the New Year in New Orleans early this morning was an act of pure evil, and justice must be swift for anyone who was involved,” the speaker said. “Please join us in praying for the victims, their families, and the first responders and investigators on the scene.”