ABOVE: Live Thursday morning coverage At least 15 people are dead and at least 30 people were injured after a man drove a truck into a crowd at Bourbon and Canal streets in New Orleans on New Year's Day in a terrorist attack, according to the FBI. It happened around 3:15 a.m. toward the end of New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans and hours before the expected kickoff of the Allstate Sugar Bowl, a college football quarterfinal held in the city’s Caesars Superdome. The FBI confirmed the identity of the suspected driver of the truck as Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, of Texas. A new photo of Jabbar was released early Thursday morning: NBC reports that the FBI is not prepared to say that Jabbar carried out the attack alone. The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office is actively working to identify the victims killed in the tragedy, but may not release all of the names of those involved for several days. As the FBI focuses its search for new information in the attack, New Orleans officials are working around the clock to shift their efforts to protecting the Superdome ahead of the Allstate Sugar Bowl game, which was rescheduled for Thursday. According to New Orleans Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, she is confident that the game will be safe and enjoyable for all who attend. Kirkpatrick is expecting a briefing from the FBI Thursday morning, and says the goal is to reopen Bourbon Street later in the afternoon. Here is what we know about the suspects, victims, and investigation.Latest information: 15 dead, dozens injured after truck plows through Bourbon Street crowdsSuspect identified as Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, of TexasSuspect was a U.S.-born citizen and Army veteranSuspect had ISIS flag, guns and explosives in truck; FBI investigating any connection to terrorist groupsTwo explosive devices found in the French Quarter detonated The FBI has cleared three men and a woman who were investigated in connection with suspicious devices found in New Orleans, according to NBC. FBI is not prepared to say that Jabbar acted aloneThose who had contact with Jabbar over the past 72 hours are asked to contact the FBIAn emergency declaration has been requested as investigators continue to respond to the terror attack 400 officers responded to the attack in the French QuarterLouisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says one of the IEDs found was placed between two law enforcement cars after the driver plowed into crowds. Orleans Parish Coroner's Office says it will take days to identify all who were killed in the attack Those deceased have been removed from Bourbon StreetThe next news conference expected on the attack is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, according to the FBIPresident Joe Biden has directed the attorney general, FBI director, the National Counterterrorism Center, and secretary of Homeland Security to work intensively until all information on the attack has been completed. Biden also confirmed that federal officials are investigating an explosion involving a cyber truck at the Trump hotel in Las Vegas. Biden has not ruled out a connection between that explosion and the New Orleans attack. Bourbon Street traffic is expected to reopen to pedestrians on Thursday, per NBCSuperintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says the cleaning of Bourbon Street is nearly completeKirkpatrick said there are not "suspects" in the FBI investigations, just persons of interestsKirkpatrick expects a briefing from the FBI Thursday morning and a news conference later in the dayKirkpatrick is confident the Sugar Bowl will be a safe and enjoyable experienceAbout the suspect: The FBI has identified the suspect accused of carrying out the attack as Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, of Texas. What we know about Shamsad Din Jabbar, suspect accused in deadly French Quarter Terror Attack Officials are still working on information about his background and any potential travel history. According to the FBI, Jabbar was driving a Ford pickup truck, which appears to have been rented, and they are working to confirm how he came into possession of the truck. An ISIS flag was found attached to the truck, according to the FBI. Officials have confirmed that Jabbar was driving a white truck with a Texas tag bearing the license plate LZ1575. According to investigators, the back of the truck had a white stick or pipe attached to the hitch with a black cloth wrapped around it. FBI New Orleans confirmed that Jabbar was killed after engaging with local law enforcement, but agents are not ready to say that he acted alone. The two New Orleans police officers shot in the attack are reportedly in stable condition. The FBI says it will continue to investigate potential explosive devices in the French Quarter. WDSU Reporter Fletcher Mackel and Photojournalist Stephone Cage captured the moment at least two suspected IEDs were detonated in the French Quarter. Agents can be heard screaming, "Fire in the hole," before two loud bangs. The FBI asks anyone who had contact with Jabbar over the last 72 hours to come forward and call 1-800-CALL-FBI.Allstate Sugar Bowl security measures increasedThe Sugar Bowl was postponed due to the terror attack and will now be played at 3 p.m. Thursday. Since the FBI took over the attack investigation, New Orleans police and other city officials shifted their focus to ensuring the safety of those attending the game. Increased safety measures are in place at the Caesars Superdome. Officials with the game issued the following statement regarding the attack:"The Sugar Bowl Committee is devastated by the terrible events from early this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We are in ongoing discussions with authorities on the local, state, and federal levels and will communicate further details as they become available."At the New Orleans International Airport, dozens of Notre Dame fans were seen leaving the city following the terror attack.WDSU spoke with one fan who said although they appreciated the city's hospitality, they felt attending the game would be too risky. Areas to avoid in the French Quarter:The public is still being asked to avoid Bourbon Street north from Canal to Dumaine streets and East to Royal Street to West to Dauphine Street until further notice as the investigation is ongoing.NBC reports that the FBI plans to allow New Orleans officials to reopen Bourbon Street to pedestrian traffic Thursday afternoon. At this time, the street remains closed. About the victims:A total of 15 people are dead and dozens are hurt following the terror attack on Bourbon Street.According to the Orleans Parish Coroner's Office, it will take several days to identify those killed in the attack. According to St. Thomas More Catholic High School, a former standout athlete, Tiger Bech, died in the attack. He is the first victim to be identified.The school said Bech was a standout football, lacrosse, and track and field athlete.A rosary prayer service was held in Lafayette at the St. Thomas More chapel at 5 p.m.Lansdale Catholic confirmed that Ryan Quigley, a graduate from the school in 2016, was injured in the attack. Quigley was reported to be good friends with Bech.A Metairie woman has been identified as one of the victims killed in a terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.The owner of Kimmy's Deli at Lakeway in Metairie confirmed that their manager, Nicole Perez, died after a truck plowed through crowds on Bourbon Street.According to the owner, Perez had just been promoted and had worked at the deli for several years.Perez has a 4-year-old son.A Mississippi teen was identified as another victim in the Bourbon Street terror attack that left at least 15 dead and 35 others injured.Family members identified Nikyra Dedeaux as one of the victims killed in the attack.Zion Parsons, 18, said a vehicle suddenly appeared and he watched it hit his friend, Dedeaux.Parsons described the crowd scattering and the gruesome aftermath."Bodies, bodies all up and down the street, everybody screaming and hollering," Parsons said.He said he watched as authorities put a tarp over Dedeaux’s body. He later called Dedeaux’s family to tell them what had happened."I hadn’t had time to cry up until I called her mother, and she asked me, 'Where's my baby,'" Parsons said. "That broke me."Two more victims of the Bourbon Street terrorist attack in New Orleans have been identified.Episcopal School of Baton Rouge confirms that one former student was injured, and another died after a truck plowed through crowds on Bourbon Street on New Year's Day.According to a statement issued by the school, Parker Vidrine was critically injured and hospitalized.Kareem Badawi died from his injuries in the attack. Badawi was a student at the University of Alabama.The school issued the following statement regarding the attack:"It is with a profound sense of sorrow and grief that we share difficult news involving members of our Episcopal family. Earlier today, we learned of a horrific attack in New Orleans that has tragically impacted our school community. Because of the sensitive nature and out of respect for the families, there is only so much that is appropriate to share at this time. We are deeply saddened to share that alumnus Parker Vidrine ’24 was critically injured and is hospitalized, and alumnus Kareem Badawi ’24 tragically passed away as a result of the attack."The school will hold a vigil on Thursday to honor their memories.Archbishop Shaw High School confirmed that Hubert Gauthreaux, an alum of the school, died in the attack after a driver plowed through crowds on Bourbon Street.According to school officials, Gauthreaux graduated in 2021 and was 21 years old.The University of Georgia confirmed a student was critically injured during the attack.Two 20-year-old Fort Myers women were among those injured.Elle Eisele and Steele Idelson both graduated from Canterbury School in Fort Myers in 2023. Eisele is a student at the University of Georgia, and Idelson is a student at San Diego State UniversityEiesle and Idelson were taken to the hospital for treatment following the attack.Both women are being treated in the trauma ICU as Steele is set to undergo surgery.The coroner's office issued the following statement regarding their effort to identify victims:"We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that unfolded in the French Quarter. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected."As of now, 15 people are deceased. It will take several days to perform all autopsies. Once we complete the autopsies and talk with the next of kin, we will release the identifications of the victims."As we work diligently in coordination with the New Orleans Police Department, FBI, and Homeland Security, we remain committed to supporting the community during this tragic time in our city." Who to call if a loved one is missing after the terrorist attack on Bourbon Street:Police ask anyone looking for their loved one to call 911 or the New Orleans 311 number at 504-539-3266.Officials with 311 say calls are being answered as quickly as possible.Callers to 311 can press "3" to reach an operator, and 311 callers are asked for patience and to remain on the line, as they may need to wait on hold for a few minutes.Officials say they are working as quickly as possible to process all the 311 calls from people inquiring about loved ones.A majority of those injured were taken to University Medical Center at 2000 Canal Street.Victims of the incident have been transported to the following hospitals:University Medical Center (UMC) (majority of victims transported)Touro HospitalEast Jefferson General HospitalOchsner Medical Center Jefferson CampusOchsner Baptist CampusLCMC Health Emergency Care (formerly Tulane ED)Families of victims arriving at the UMC are being asked to go to the UMC Conference Center on the first floor, across from Tower 2, which is the midpoint of the hospital, for additional information about their loved ones.Texas scene linked to terror attack:Federal and local authorities descended on a home in Houston, Texas, Wednesday. They said the home was related to the deadly terror attack on New Year’s Day in New Orleans. According to FBI Houston, federal agents and the Harris County Sheriff's Office were near the intersection of Hugh Road and Crescent Peak Drive in north Houston.NBC affiliate KPRC 2 Houston reported that a SWAT team brought several people, including children, out of a home. A man was also seen surrendering to SWAT, according to KPRC.KHOU reports a federal search warrant was signed Wednesday night, and agents were expected to begin searching the home. Suspicious devices under investigation: Investigators and police are still investigating "suspicious devices" found in the French Quarter after the terror attack Wednesday. A Louisiana State Trooper flagged a suspicious package and called special units to investigate early Wednesday morning following the attack. According to Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, one of the devices found was placed between two law enforcement cars after the car plowed into the crowd.Two explosive devices found in the French Quarter were detonated. The FBI is working to determine if any more devices are in the area. Any that are found will be rendered safe, according to a statement issued by the FBI. NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said officers have been walking and inspecting any suspicious packages, bags, or items across the French Quarter and Downtown New Orleans. All of the areas of downtown have been swept for suspicious devices in a grid pattern around the Superdome. Bomb dogs are also being utilized. The Superdome is locked down through the Sugar Bowl on Thursday to ensure the safety of those attending the game. It is unclear at this time how many IEDs have been found.Second scene possibly tied to terror attack: Witnesses in the St. Roch area were evacuated after a fire at a home believed to potentially be connected to the Bourbon Street terrorist attack.Law enforcement and FBI investigators responded to the scene of 1200 Mandeville St. in the St. Roch area. A woman told WDSU she arrived home from work around 5 a.m. Wednesday and says the fire department was in the area. She said she was told not to worry about the fire and it was under control at the time, but said two hours later, she was told to evacuate by police due to the investigation.According to the witness, she said police told her they were looking for explosive devices.She also told WDSU law enforcement didn't specifically say the fire was related to the French Quarter attack but believe the suspect could have rented the house as an Airbnb.It is still unknown how the fire was started and if any explosive devices were found. Bollards replaced ahead of deadly terror attack:The city of New Orleans announced it was replacing bollards on Bourbon Street ahead of Super Bowl LIX.Bollards are used to control crowds and traffic. They are short, stainless steel removable posts that can be securely locked behind each crosswalk.The city stated the bollards were removed and expected to be replaced within a three- to four-week window, depending on the phase of the project.New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said that the suspect drove around "barricades" during the attack, confirming that bollards were not in place at the time.Kirkpatrick said even if the bollards had been in place, the suspect drove around where the posts would have been in place.Additionally, Kirkpatrick said that had the bollards been there, the posts would have impeded EMS from reaching victims.The city of New Orleans has issued a statement on the Bourbon Street Bollard project:"The City of New Orleans is committed to ensuring the safety and functionality of Bourbon Street. The black removable bollards previously installed at key locations along Bourbon St. proved unreliable and have been non-operational. In the interim, white gate barriers have been used in these areas, managed by the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) to secure the street and regulate vehicle access for safety purposes."To address these challenges, the city initiated a thorough study of the bollard system, consulted with stakeholders, and selected a new bollard design earlier this year. Following this decision, engineering plans were finalized, and the contractor procurement process began in late summer 2024.Project Timeline and StatusThe contractor began work in November 2024, starting at two separate locations and progressing toward Canal Street.The scope includes removing the old bollards, replacing concrete pavement, constructing concrete bases, installing metal sleeves for the new bollards, and repouring the roadway.Coordination with NOPD has ensured accessibility and ease of use for their staff, with temporary white gate barriers providing protection in construction zones.To date, 11 of the 16 bollard locations have been completed. The remaining locations are on track for completion prior to Feb. 2, 2025.Daily inspections monitor progress, and testing reports issued today confirm the required material strength has been achieved.The new bollards will be operational once the construction is complete and the new bollard system has been accepted.Blood Drive:The Blood Center and New Orleans EMS will be holding a blood drive on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Two blood mobiles will be located at 2609 Canal St. The Blood Center is located is located one block past LCMC, between S. Galves and S. Broad Street. The entrance is behind the building on Iberville. Related: Security expert weighs in after car plows into New Orleans crowd How to donate to victims: The United Way of Southeast Louisiana is raising money for terror attack victims. All proceeds go to those directly impacted by the attack. To donate, click here. The Greater New Orleans Foundation has opened a fund to support the families impacted by the attack. To donate to that fund, click here. Those looking to donate to funds should avoid unverified crowdfunding websites. If you believe you have been the victim of a scam related to victim donation funds, report the fund to the Louisiana Attorney General's Office.
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<p><strong><em>ABOVE: Live Thursday morning coverage </em></strong>
At least 15 people are dead and at least 30 people were injured after a man drove a truck into a crowd at Bourbon and Canal streets in New Orleans on New Year’s Day in a terrorist attack, according to the FBI.
It happened around 3:15 a.m. toward the end of New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans and hours before the expected kickoff of the Allstate Sugar Bowl, a college football quarterfinal held in the city’s Caesars Superdome.
The FBI confirmed the identity of the suspected driver of the truck as Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, of Texas. A new photo of Jabbar was released early Thursday morning:
NBC reports that the FBI is not prepared to say that Jabbar carried out the attack alone.
The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office is actively working to identify the victims killed in the tragedy, but may not release all of the names of those involved for several days.
As the FBI focuses its search for new information in the attack, New Orleans officials are working around the clock to shift their efforts to protecting the Superdome ahead of the Allstate Sugar Bowl game, which was rescheduled for Thursday.
According to New Orleans Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, she is confident that the game will be safe and enjoyable for all who attend.
Kirkpatrick is expecting a briefing from the FBI Thursday morning, and says the goal is to reopen Bourbon Street later in the afternoon.
Here is what we know about the suspects, victims, and investigation.
Latest information:
- 15 dead, dozens injured after truck plows through Bourbon Street crowds
- Suspect identified as Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, of Texas
- Suspect was a U.S.-born citizen and Army veteran
- Suspect had ISIS flag, guns and explosives in truck; FBI investigating any connection to terrorist groups
- Two explosive devices found in the French Quarter detonated
- The FBI has cleared three men and a woman who were investigated in connection with suspicious devices found in New Orleans, according to NBC.
- FBI is not prepared to say that Jabbar acted alone
- Those who had contact with Jabbar over the past 72 hours are asked to contact the FBI
- An emergency declaration has been requested as investigators continue to respond to the terror attack
- 400 officers responded to the attack in the French Quarter
- Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says one of the IEDs found was placed between two law enforcement cars after the driver plowed into crowds.
- Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office says it will take days to identify all who were killed in the attack
- Those deceased have been removed from Bourbon Street
- The next news conference expected on the attack is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, according to the FBI
- President Joe Biden has directed the attorney general, FBI director, the National Counterterrorism Center, and secretary of Homeland Security to work intensively until all information on the attack has been completed. Biden also confirmed that federal officials are investigating an explosion involving a cyber truck at the Trump hotel in Las Vegas. Biden has not ruled out a connection between that explosion and the New Orleans attack.
- Bourbon Street traffic is expected to reopen to pedestrians on Thursday, per NBC
- Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says the cleaning of Bourbon Street is nearly complete
- Kirkpatrick said there are not “suspects” in the FBI investigations, just persons of interests
- Kirkpatrick expects a briefing from the FBI Thursday morning and a news conference later in the day
- Kirkpatrick is confident the Sugar Bowl will be a safe and enjoyable experience
About the suspect:
The FBI has identified the suspect accused of carrying out the attack as Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, of Texas.
What we know about Shamsad Din Jabbar, suspect accused in deadly French Quarter Terror Attack
Officials are still working on information about his background and any potential travel history.
According to the FBI, Jabbar was driving a Ford pickup truck, which appears to have been rented, and they are working to confirm how he came into possession of the truck.
An ISIS flag was found attached to the truck, according to the FBI.
Officials have confirmed that Jabbar was driving a white truck with a Texas tag bearing the license plate LZ1575.
According to investigators, the back of the truck had a white stick or pipe attached to the hitch with a black cloth wrapped around it.
FBI New Orleans confirmed that Jabbar was killed after engaging with local law enforcement, but agents are not ready to say that he acted alone.
The two New Orleans police officers shot in the attack are reportedly in stable condition.
The FBI says it will continue to investigate potential explosive devices in the French Quarter.
WDSU Reporter Fletcher Mackel and Photojournalist Stephone Cage captured the moment at least two suspected IEDs were detonated in the French Quarter.
Agents can be heard screaming, “Fire in the hole,” before two loud bangs.
The FBI asks anyone who had contact with Jabbar over the last 72 hours to come forward and call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Allstate Sugar Bowl security measures increased
The Sugar Bowl was postponed due to the terror attack and will now be played at 3 p.m. Thursday.
Since the FBI took over the attack investigation, New Orleans police and other city officials shifted their focus to ensuring the safety of those attending the game.
Increased safety measures are in place at the Caesars Superdome.
Officials with the game issued the following statement regarding the attack:
“The Sugar Bowl Committee is devastated by the terrible events from early this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We are in ongoing discussions with authorities on the local, state, and federal levels and will communicate further details as they become available.”
At the New Orleans International Airport, dozens of Notre Dame fans were seen leaving the city following the terror attack.
WDSU spoke with one fan who said although they appreciated the city’s hospitality, they felt attending the game would be too risky.
Areas to avoid in the French Quarter:
The public is still being asked to avoid Bourbon Street north from Canal to Dumaine streets and East to Royal Street to West to Dauphine Street until further notice as the investigation is ongoing.
NBC reports that the FBI plans to allow New Orleans officials to reopen Bourbon Street to pedestrian traffic Thursday afternoon.
At this time, the street remains closed.
About the victims:
A total of 15 people are dead and dozens are hurt following the terror attack on Bourbon Street.
According to the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office, it will take several days to identify those killed in the attack.
According to St. Thomas More Catholic High School, a former standout athlete, Tiger Bech, died in the attack. He is the first victim to be identified.
The school said Bech was a standout football, lacrosse, and track and field athlete.
A rosary prayer service was held in Lafayette at the St. Thomas More chapel at 5 p.m.
Lansdale Catholic confirmed that Ryan Quigley, a graduate from the school in 2016, was injured in the attack. Quigley was reported to be good friends with Bech.
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A Metairie woman has been identified as one of the victims killed in a terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
The owner of Kimmy’s Deli at Lakeway in Metairie confirmed that their manager, Nicole Perez, died after a truck plowed through crowds on Bourbon Street.
According to the owner, Perez had just been promoted and had worked at the deli for several years.
Perez has a 4-year-old son.
A Mississippi teen was identified as another victim in the Bourbon Street terror attack that left at least 15 dead and 35 others injured.
Family members identified Nikyra Dedeaux as one of the victims killed in the attack.
Zion Parsons, 18, said a vehicle suddenly appeared and he watched it hit his friend, Dedeaux.
Parsons described the crowd scattering and the gruesome aftermath.
“Bodies, bodies all up and down the street, everybody screaming and hollering,” Parsons said.
He said he watched as authorities put a tarp over Dedeaux’s body. He later called Dedeaux’s family to tell them what had happened.
“I hadn’t had time to cry up until I called her mother, and she asked me, ‘Where’s my baby,'” Parsons said. “That broke me.”
Two more victims of the Bourbon Street terrorist attack in New Orleans have been identified.
Episcopal School of Baton Rouge confirms that one former student was injured, and another died after a truck plowed through crowds on Bourbon Street on New Year’s Day.
According to a statement issued by the school, Parker Vidrine was critically injured and hospitalized.
Kareem Badawi died from his injuries in the attack. Badawi was a student at the University of Alabama.
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The school issued the following statement regarding the attack:
“It is with a profound sense of sorrow and grief that we share difficult news involving members of our Episcopal family. Earlier today, we learned of a horrific attack in New Orleans that has tragically impacted our school community. Because of the sensitive nature and out of respect for the families, there is only so much that is appropriate to share at this time. We are deeply saddened to share that alumnus Parker Vidrine ’24 was critically injured and is hospitalized, and alumnus Kareem Badawi ’24 tragically passed away as a result of the attack.”
The school will hold a vigil on Thursday to honor their memories.
Archbishop Shaw High School confirmed that Hubert Gauthreaux, an alum of the school, died in the attack after a driver plowed through crowds on Bourbon Street.
According to school officials, Gauthreaux graduated in 2021 and was 21 years old.
The University of Georgia confirmed a student was critically injured during the attack.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Statement from President Jere W. Morehead:
I am deeply saddened by the devastating attack in New Orleans overnight, and I extend my sincere condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this terrible tragedy.
At this point, we have learned that a…
— UGA (@universityofga) January 1, 2025
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