New Orleans attack: Driver identified as ex-US army soldier, influenced by ISIS

Initial investigations revealed details about the driver who rammed a pickup truck into a crowd in New Orleans during New Year celerbation, killing at least 15 people and injuring 30 others.

The FBI declared the incident a terrorist attack. The perpetrator, identified as 42-year-old Shamsuddin Jabbar, a US citizen from Texas who had also lived in North Carolina, was reportedly inspired by ISIS.

According to reports, the attack occurred at 3:15 am local time on Wednesday when a speeding vehicle plowed through partygoers celebrating the New Year on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

Following the attack, U.S. President Joe Biden stated, “The FBI has informed me that, mere hours before the attack, the suspect posted videos on social media expressing his allegiance to ISIS and a desire to kill.”

After crashing the vehicle into the crowd, Jabbar exited the truck and opened fire, injuring two police officers. The suspect was subsequently shot and killed by law enforcement. An ISIS flag was later discovered in the vehicle.

American security sources, as cited by local media, revealed that the suspect was wearing body armor and carried a long gun during the attack.

He reportedly sped through barriers, patrol cars, and security personnel stationed at the site, according to New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick.

Further investigations revealed Jabbar’s military background. He served in the US Army from March 2007 to January 2015, later joining the Army Reserve until 2020, leaving with the rank of staff sergeant.

His areas of expertise included human resources and information technology, and he had received several medals for his professional conduct and service.