The FBI has confirmed that Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran from Texas, acted alone in the devastating New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans. Jabbar, who pledged allegiance to ISIS, drove a rented truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 14 people and injuring dozens before being fatally shot by police.
Authorities initially suspected that Jabbar may have had accomplices, but a new FBI statement on Thursday ruled out external help. Investigators are now piecing together how a former military veteran, real estate agent, and one-time Deloitte employee became radicalized to the point of committing mass murder.
From Army Veteran to ISIS Supporter
Jabbar, who once served in Afghanistan, had recently rekindled his Muslim faith after abandoning it in his 20s and 30s. However, his religious beliefs took a dark turn. Eleven months before the attack, he recorded a series of radical sermons, condemning music, drugs, and alcohol, and warning of divine punishment for those who indulged in them.
The FBI revealed that just hours before the attack, Jabbar posted five videos on Facebook, openly pledging loyalty to ISIS. He admitted to previously considering harming his own family but ultimately chose to target strangers.
The attack was premeditated—surveillance footage showed him placing two homemade explosives in coolers around Bourbon Street before launching his assault. Fortunately, both were defused.
Family in Shock: “This Isn’t the Brother I Knew”
Jabbar’s half-brother, Abdur Rahim Jabbar, expressed disbelief at his transformation. “He was smart, funny, and compassionate—this level of maliciousness is unrecognizable,” he told Reuters. Their father, upon hearing the news, broke down in tears, unable to believe his son could commit such an atrocity.
Jabbar’s personal life had been spiraling in recent years. He went through a divorce in 2022, and his father’s stroke in 2023 added financial and emotional strain. While these hardships may have contributed to his radicalization, authorities remain focused on how and when he fully aligned himself with ISIS ideology.
No Connection to Las Vegas Cybertruck Explosion
The New Orleans massacre happened on the same day as an explosion outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, sparking fears of coordinated attacks. However, the FBI has found no evidence linking the two incidents.
In response to these threats, law enforcement agencies across the U.S. have promised heightened security for upcoming public events. New Orleans officials have assured residents that the city remains safe, even as they prepare for weeks of Mardi Gras celebrations and the Super Bowl next month.
What’s Next?
The FBI is now investigating how Jabbar became radicalized, with a particular focus on his online activity. His recordings on SoundCloud, where he preached extremist views, are being analyzed to determine whether he had interactions with ISIS recruiters.
As the investigation continues, this tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing threat of homegrown extremism in the U.S.
