New Orleans, LA — The suspect in the deadly New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street has been identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran from Texas.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of January 1, 2025, claimed the lives of at least 15 people and left dozens injured.

The FBI has confirmed it is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.

Jabbar served in the U.S. Army from March 2007 to July 2020, primarily as a human resources and information technology specialist.

His military career included a deployment to Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010. He retired with the rank of Staff Sergeant and received several commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Before his Army service, Jabbar briefly participated in the U.S. Navy’s Delayed Entry Program in 2004 but did not complete boot camp.

After leaving the military, Jabbar worked as a real estate property manager. However, his life was marked by financial struggles, including debts and issues related to child support payments. His real estate license, obtained in 2019, expired in 2023.

The attack occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m. local time when Jabbar allegedly drove a Ford pickup truck into a large crowd of revelers celebrating on Bourbon Street. The truck was adorned with an ISIS flag, and investigators discovered weapons and potential explosive devices in the vehicle.

Following the collision, Jabbar exited the vehicle and opened fire at responding police officers, wounding two, before being fatally shot by law enforcement. Both injured officers are in stable condition.

Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) discovered at the scene and surrounding areas in the French Quarter were deemed viable, prompting an extensive search for additional explosives. Bomb squad units and investigators are continuing their efforts to secure the area.

Authorities have linked Jabbar to an Airbnb rental in the St. Roch neighborhood, where a fire broke out on Wednesday morning. The property, located at 1329 Mandeville Street, was reportedly rented by the suspect.

Firefighters extinguished the flames before law enforcement and bomb squad detectives took over the scene to investigate further connections to the attack.

Residents and eyewitnesses have criticized the absence of steel barricades on Bourbon Street during the New Year’s celebrations. Jimmy Cothran, a long-time New Orleans resident, noted, “They had the flimsy orange ones that you could just push over with your finger.”

Law enforcement officials, including the FBI, are investigating Jabbar’s potential ties to extremist ideologies. Assistant Special Agent in Charge Althea Duncan of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office stated:

“We do not believe Jabbar acted alone. This attack appears to have been carefully planned, and we are pursuing all leads to identify any accomplices.”

The discovery of the ISIS flag has raised concerns about Jabbar’s potential radicalization. Investigators are examining his communications and activities in the months leading up to the attack.

The attack has sent shockwaves through New Orleans and the nation. Officials have emphasized the need to address mental health concerns and potential radicalization among veterans.

Governor Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency in Orleans Parish to allocate additional resources for security ahead of upcoming events, including Mardi Gras and Super Bowl LIX.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell expressed her condolences to the victims and their families, stating:

“This horrific act has devastated our community, but we will stand strong together to honor the victims and support their families.”

The FBI is urging anyone with information about Jabbar or the attack to come forward. They have also asked for photos or videos taken in the area at the time of the incident to help piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.

This heinous act has left a city and a nation mourning, while efforts to understand and prevent such attacks continue.