Car drives into crowd in New Orleans killing 15, FBI calls it ‘act of terrorism’

Published Jan 1 Updated Jan 1

Craig Nigrelli Anchor

By Craig Nigrelli (Anchor), Jodie Hawkins (Senior Producer), Ray Bogan (Political Correspondent )

At least 15 people were killed and 30 were injured after a man drove a vehicle into a crowd on Canal and Bourbon Streets during New Year celebrations early Wednesday, Jan. 1. The FBI said it’s investigating the incident as an act of terrorism. The agency confirmed the suspect, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas, is dead.

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“It did involve a man driving a pickup truck down Bourbon Street at a very fast pace, and it was very intentional behavior,” New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said during a press conference. “This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could.”

Investigators found an ISIS flag on the vehicle and are working to determine the subject’s potential affiliations with terrorist organizations. They also discovered weapons and IED’s that were located both in the vehicle and the French Quarter.

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Police said the suspect also fired a gun, striking two New Orleans officers who are in stable condition.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry called it a “horrific act of violence” and asked for prayers for victims and first responders in a post on X.

A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning.

Please join Sharon and I in praying for all the victims and first responders on scene.

I urge all near the scene to avoid the area.
— Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) January 1, 2025

The incident is drawing attention to safety issues in the area with one person posting to X, “I predict they will finally close the French Quarter from vehicle traffic which is long overdue.”

This is such a terrible disaster.

I predict they will finally close the French Quarter from vehicle traffic which is long overdue.

Sad day for New Orleans.
— Monique Lula (@MoniqueLula) January 1, 2025

The city was also scheduled to host the Sugar Bowl featuring the University of Georgia and the University of Notre Dame Wednesday evening. The game has been postponed 24 hours and kick-off is scheduled for Thursday night at 8:45 pm eastern. The event draws football fans from all over the country.

On Monday, Dec. 30 the New Orleans Police Department said it would be staffed “at 100 percent” during the festivities in the French Quarter, adding it had 300 additional officers assisting from partner law enforcement agencies.

Tags: FBI, Investigation, New Orleans, Police, Police officers, Terrorism, Terrorist Attack