New Orleans attack: On Wednesday evening, President Joe Biden announced that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had discovered videos posted by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a US Army veteran, just hours prior to his attack in New Orleans, where he drove a pickup truck into a crowd celebrating New Year’s, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 individuals. In these videos, Jabbar expressed his inspiration from the Islamic State group and articulated a desire to commit acts of violence.
The FBI identified Jabbar, a 42-year-old US citizen from Texas, as the driver of a Ford F-150 electric pickup truck adorned with the Islamic State flag. The agency is currently investigating his possible connections to terrorist organizations.
According to New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, Jabbar was shot and killed by police after he exited his vehicle and opened fire on the responding officers, two of whom were injured but are in stable condition.
Describing the incident as “despicable,” President Biden noted that Jabbar’s online posts indicated his inspiration from ISIS. Speaking from Camp David, he extended his condolences to the victims and the residents of New Orleans, stating, “I want you to know I grieve with you. Our nation grieves with you as you mourn and as you heal.”
My deepest sympathies are extended to the victims and their families who were merely attempting to enjoy the holiday, stated Joe Biden in an official statement. “There is absolutely no justification for any form of violence, and we will not accept any assault on the communities of our nation.”
Biden indicated that the FBI is spearheading the investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident, the motivations behind it, and to assess any ongoing threats to public safety.
“Here is what we currently know. The FBI has informed me that the perpetrator was an American citizen, originally from Texas. He had a lengthy tenure in the United States Army on active duty and also served in the Army Reserve until a few years ago. The FBI further reported that just hours prior to the attack, he shared videos on social media that revealed his inspiration from ISIS and his intent to commit murder. An ISIS flag was discovered in the rental vehicle he used for the attack, along with potential explosives both inside the vehicle and in the vicinity. The investigation remains active, and it is crucial that no one rushes to conclusions,” the President of the United States remarked, providing an update on the preliminary investigations.
Chaos erupted on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, transforming the once festive atmosphere into a scene of horror filled with injured victims, bloodied bodies, and terrified pedestrians seeking refuge in nearby nightclubs and restaurants. In addition to the fatalities, numerous individuals sustained injuries. A college football playoff game scheduled at the nearby Superdome has been postponed until Thursday.
