At least 15 people were killed and dozens more injured in a suspected terrorist attack early on New Year’s Day, when a man drove a rented truck into a crowd near Bourbon and Canal Streets in New Orleans, according to the FBI.
The attack occurred around 3:15 a.m., as New Year’s celebrations were winding down and hours before the Allstate Sugar Bowl in the Caesars Superdome. The FBI identified the suspect as Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran from Texas. Authorities said an ISIS flag, weapons, and explosive devices were discovered in the truck.
Investigators are reviewing footage that reportedly shows three men and a woman planting explosives in New Orleans. However, four individuals initially believed to be involved have been ruled out as suspects. Officials are still determining whether Jabbar acted alone or had accomplices.
The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office is working to identify the victims, while federal and local agencies continue sweeping the area for additional threats. President Joe Biden has directed federal agencies to prioritize the investigation, and the Allstate Sugar Bowl has been postponed until further notice.
More updates are expected as authorities piece together the motive and full scope of the incident.