RNS: A tragic incident occurred in New Orleans on January 1 when 42-year-old Shamshud-Din Jabbar, a former US Army veteran, drove a truck into a crowd, killing 15 people and injuring over 30. Investigators later searched Jabbar’s home in North Houston, where they found bomb-making materials, chemicals, and an open Quran with a violent passage that is linked to extremist ideologies. The passage read, “They fight in Allah’s cause, and slay and are slain,” which is often cited by extremists to justify violence.
Before the attack, Jabbar posted a video online where he pledged his allegiance to ISIS. He explained in the video that he initially planned to harm his family, but decided to attack the New Year’s crowd instead, believing it would gain more media attention. The FBI believes Jabbar acted alone, despite early concerns that he might have accomplices.
The attack happened in the French Quarter, where Jabbar drove a rented Ford F-150 truck into the crowd, killing 15 people and injuring many others. Police shot and killed Jabbar after he wounded two officers in a gunfight. He had also planted two homemade bombs in the area, which were safely defused before they could explode.
Jabbar had served in the regular Army from 2007 to 2015, and in the Army Reserve until 2020. His violent actions were condemned by President Joe Biden, who expressed sympathy for the victims and their families. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic, with one witness reporting bodies being thrown into the air and gunshots being fired.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to gather details about Jabbar’s motives and connections to ISIS.
