Early Wednesday morning, New Orleans witnessed an unprecedented tragedy. A man driving a van decorated with the flag of the Islamic State terrorist group rammed several passersby during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The attack left 15 dead and dozens injured, drastically disrupting the festivities on bustling Bourbon Street. After evading a police roadblock, the attacker ran over the victims. And continued his advance until police shot him down when he attempted to engage them with firearms.
The FBI considers the attack, which occurred in the notorious French Quarter, to be an act of terrorism. According to the investigation, the attacker did not act alone, and firearms were found in his vehicle. As well as what appeared to be an improvised explosive device. In addition, other devices were found in different parts of the city.
Ongoing Investigation
The perpetrator, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Army veteran, had a military record linking him to Afghanistan. Hours before the massacre, Jabbar posted several videos on social media. In which he stated his support for the Islamic State and his desire to carry out a violent attack.
Police revealed that Jabbar managed to circumvent security barriers that had been set up to protect pedestrians, as they were under repair for the Super Bowl.
Several explosives were found in Jabbar’s vehicle, including tubes with bombs ready to be detonated. Although police have not confirmed whether other individuals were involved. In fact, surveillance cameras show several people handling one of the devices, suggesting a possible connection to other actors.
New Orleans: Community Impact and Reactions
The massacre left a strong mark on the city. Survivors and witnesses, such as 18-year-old Zion Parsons, described horrific scenes. That, with bodies strewn across the street and people running for cover in nearby bars and clubs.
Anne Kirkpatrick, New Orleans police chief, called the attack an act of “pure evil” and highlighted the attacker’s determination to cause a great deal of death and suffering.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry asked citizens to avoid the area of the incident. Which remained cordoned off while authorities conducted their investigation. Although the attack deeply shook the community, life in other parts of the city continued. But with tourists and locals oblivious to the tragedy that had taken place hours earlier.
An Attack with Global Implications
This attack represents one of the deadliest carried out by Islamic State sympathizers on U.S. soil in recent years. Federal authorities are especially vigilant because of the growing threat of international terrorism, exacerbated by the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The FBI has arrested several individuals suspected of planning attacks in the past year, including an Afghan man arrested in Oklahoma in October for an alleged plot to attack crowds on Election Day.
President Joe Biden strongly condemned the attack, calling it “despicable.” In his message, he expressed his solidarity with the victims and their families, assuring that his government will not tolerate violence in any of the country’s communities.
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