The FBI said late Wednesday authorities were conducting search warrants in New Orleans, Louisiana, and states outside Louisiana as they investigate the attack in which a driver crashed a pickup truck into a crowd and opened fire, killing at least 15 people and injuring at least 30. Investigators were still working late Wednesday to gather evidence at the scene of the early morning New Year’s Day attack on New Orleans’ popular Bourbon Street. So far, the FBI has identified the suspect as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar. The agency said it was investigating the attack as an act of terrorism, and that authorities do not believe the driver acted alone. “The killer was an American citizen born in Texas,” U.S. President Joe Biden said Wednesday night. “He served in the United States Army in active duty for many years. He also served in the Army Reserve until a few years ago.” Hours earlier, the suspect indicated in videos posted on social media that the attack was inspired by the Islamic State terror group. The FBI said an Islamic State flag was found in the vehicle after the attack. Biden said law enforcement and the intelligence community were searching for any potential “connections, associations or co-conspirators.” “So many people around the world love New Orleans because of its history, its culture, and above all, its people,” Biden said. “So, I know while this person committed a terrible assault on the city, the spirit of our New Orleans will never, never, never be defeated. It always will shine forth.” Early morning attack The attack occurred at 3:15 a.m. on Wednesday at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon streets in the city’s lively French Quarter. The historic tourist destination filled with bars and music is also known for its large New Year’s Eve celebrations. After the vehicle crashed, the driver got out of the car and opened fire on responding officers, police said. Officers returned fire, killing the suspect, according to police. Two officers were wounded but are in stable condition, police said. “This is not just an act of terrorism. This is evil,” New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick told reporters at a press conference earlier Wednesday. Investigators found weapons and a potential explosive device in the vehicle, the FBI said, along with the other potential explosive devices found in the French Quarter. The vehicle appeared to have been rented, the FBI said. “My heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday. There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation’s communities,” Biden said in a statement on the social media platform X. President-elect Donald Trump condemned the attack in a post on his social media platform Truth Social. “Our hearts are with all the innocent victims and their loved ones,” Trump said. “The Trump Administration will fully support the City of New Orleans as they investigate and recover from this act of pure evil!” In a statement on X, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry urged people to stay away from the site of the attack, calling the incident “a horrific act of violence.” Crowds were also out partying in New Orleans because the city was set to host college football’s Sugar Bowl game Wednesday night. Officials confirmed that the game would be postponed until Thursday night. Additionally, New Orleans is set to host the NFL’s Super Bowl on February 9. VOA national security correspondent Jeff Seldin contributed to this report. Some information in this report came from Reuters and The Associated Press.
