New Orleans Terror Attack Kills 10 on Bourbon Street, FBI Investigating Eagle Pass Link

Deadly New Year’s Day Attack in New Orleans: 10 Dead, 35 Injured

**Warning Graphic Image Below**

A tragic terrorist attack in the early hours of January 1, 2025, shook New Orleans as a pickup truck plowed through a crowd celebrating New Year’s Day on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter. The attacker, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, deliberately drove at high speed through barricades into the crowd before crashing the vehicle.

After the crash, Jabbar exited the truck armed with a rifle, helmet, and body armor and opened fire on responding police officers. Law enforcement quickly returned fire, fatally shooting the suspect at the scene.

Casualties and Injuries

The attack claimed the lives of 10 people and left 35 others injured, many of whom were celebrating the New Year in the iconic French Quarter. Two law enforcement officers were also injured during the gunfire exchange with the suspect. Fortunately, their injuries were reported to be non-life-threatening, and both are in stable condition.

Vehicle and Equipment Used in the Attack

The vehicle involved in the attack was a Ford F-150 Lightning electric truck, which had been noted for suspicious travel patterns along the border months earlier. Investigators are still working to determine how Jabbar acquired the vehicle and whether it was privately owned, rented, or otherwise obtained. Although some early reports speculated the truck passed through the Eagle Pass, Texas Port of Entry days prior, this information was later retracted.

Kinney County Sheriff Brad Coe confirmed the truck had been previously spotted at the border in November in areas often linked to smuggling activities. However, no evidence suggests the truck was involved in any illegal pickups during that time.

Updated: Now it is being reported by multiple outlets that the vehicle was rented through Turo—The sheriff says there is nothing indicating that in what he can see associated with the plate.

Explosives and Potential Links to Terrorism

At least one improvised explosive device (IED) was discovered at the scene. Bomb technicians have since worked to assess and neutralize the device to ensure the area is safe. Authorities are investigating whether the attacker had ties to terrorist organizations. A black flag discovered attached to the vehicle has raised further questions, though its significance remains unclear.

The FBI is leading the investigation, treating the incident as an act of terrorism. While there has been no claim of responsibility from any group, authorities are examining Jabbar’s background and any potential affiliations.

Context Surrounding the Attack

This attack took place just hours before the Allstate Sugar Bowl, a major college football event, which proceeded as scheduled with heightened security measures. The city had already been on high alert due to New Year’s celebrations and the anticipated influx of visitors for the game.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell described the incident as a “terrorist attack,” reinforcing the seriousness of the situation. Early confusion about the suspect’s travel history and vehicle registration has been clarified, with investigators focusing on tracing the origins and movements of the truck leading up to the attack.

The Maverick Take

The New Orleans terror attack highlights the ever-present threat of violence in public spaces, particularly during large celebrations. This tragedy underscores the importance of vigilance and thorough investigations into suspicious activities, especially in high-risk areas.

While the exact motives behind the attack remain unclear, the swift response by law enforcement undoubtedly prevented further loss of life. The investigation into Jabbar’s background, affiliations, and activities will be critical in understanding the broader implications of this attack and in preventing similar incidents in the future.

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