North News
New Delhi, January 2
An Army veteran drove a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year’s revelers in New Orleans, killing at least 15 people and injuring over 30. The attack, which took place on Bourbon Street in the early hours of New Year’s Day, was reportedly inspired by the Islamic State (ISIS), according to US President Joe Biden, The New York Times reported.
In a brief address from Camp David, President Biden confirmed that the suspect, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a US citizen from Texas, had posted videos on social media before the attack expressing a “desire to kill” and pledging allegiance to ISIS. Biden stated that federal investigators were looking into Jabbar’s possible ties to the terrorist group, a US-based news outlet said.
The attack unfolded at around 3.15 am when Jabbar drove a Ford pickup truck into the crowded street. He then exited the vehicle and opened fire on responding officers, injuring two, before being shot and killed by police. The FBI is treating the incident as an act of terrorism, the news outlet The Guardian reported.
The White House in a statement said President Biden praised local law enforcement for their swift actions, which prevented further casualties. “I have directed my team to ensure every resource is available as we work to uncover the full extent of this attack,” he said.
The FBI also revealed that Jabbar’s vehicle, which was rented, contained an ISIS flag, weapons, and a potential improvised explosive device. Authorities discovered two explosive devices in the area that did not detonate. The investigation continues.
