The nation watched in horror as the New Year’s Day attack on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street redefined the scope of terror on American soil, sealing it as a “despicable” act linked to ISIS.
At a Glance
- President Joe Biden addressed the nation regarding the New Orleans attack linked to ISIS.
- Suspect Shamsud-Din Jabbar killed 15 people and injured 30 in the truck attack.
- An ISIS flag and potential explosives were discovered in Jabbar’s vehicle.
- The FBI is treating the incident as a terrorism investigation connected to ISIS.
Attack and Investigation
On New Year’s Day, Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a rented vehicle, bearing an ISIS flag, into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 15 and injuring 30 more during festive celebrations. In addition to a planned assault, he opened fire on responding officers, injuring two. The FBI is probing him for potential ties to ISIS, citing videos Jabbar posted online hours before the violence began.
The investigation proceeds with a terrorism classification due to evidence found with Jabbar, including weaponry, explosives, and incendiary devices. Authorities issued calls for public assistance with leads or witness reports to aid this broad investigation. The probe extends nationally, potentially connecting simultaneous events across Las Vegas and Honolulu.
"Mere hours before the attack, he posted videos on social media indicating that it was inspired by ISIS."
US President Joe Biden discusses what is known about the New Orleans attack suspect.
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— Sky News (@SkyNews) January 2, 2025
Presidential Address
President Joe Biden condemned the heinous attack, expressing condolences to the grieving families and commendations to law enforcement. Amid escalating terrorism concerns, Biden confirmed Jabbar’s motivations via social media posts indicating ISIS allegiance.
“I grieve with you. Our nation grieves with you. We’re going to stand with you as you mourn and as you heal in the weeks to come.” – Joe Biden
The public fears have escalated after this attack, the President’s comments notwithstanding. Some worry government policies fail to address underlying issues that allow such violent ideologies to fester into acts of terror. With taxpayers ever left holding the bag for government insufficiencies, calls for reforms intensify.
Community Reckoning
Local and state officials, including Gov. Jeff Landry and Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, denounced the act as nothing less than pure evil. Kirkpatrick lamented, “This man was trying to run over as many people as he could,” linking the attack directly to malicious intent.
“This is not just an act of terrorism. This is evil.” – New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick
As a community grieves, it seeks solace in unity and resilience against the terror wrought upon ordinary revelers. Moving forward, sound strategies and sincerity from those elected to protect our rights are crucial as New Orleans braces itself against ramifications stemming from neglect of established security standards.
Sources:
https://www.newsweek.com/joe-biden-isis-new-orleans-attacker-social-media-videos-2008385
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-orleans-vehicle-crash-bourbon-street-crowd-casualties-shooting/
https://apnews.com/article/new-orleans-car-bourbon-street-63a1b43d615af365cb8ba6f5f0583eca