FBI Urges Public to Assist in Investigation of New Orleans Bourbon Street Terrorist Attack
Officials seek video footage and information on suspect’s activities as they probe New Orleans attack.
The FBI is calling on the public to assist in the ongoing investigation into the deadly New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. The incident, which claimed at least 10 lives and injured dozens more, is being treated as an act of terrorism. Authorities are urging anyone with information or video evidence to come forward as they work to piece together the suspect’s actions and potential connections.
At approximately 3:15 a.m. CST, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas, drove a pickup truck into a crowd of revelers before exiting the vehicle and opening fire on law enforcement. Jabbar was killed in a shootout with police at the scene, but not before leaving behind a trail of devastation.
An ISIS flag and weapons were discovered in Jabbar’s rented truck, along with potential improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Additional suspected IEDs were located in the French Quarter, prompting the FBI to deploy special agent bomb technicians to secure the area. Officials are now racing to determine whether Jabbar acted alone or was part of a larger network.
“The FBI is aggressively running down all leads to identify any possible associates of the subject,” the agency stated. “We are asking for the public’s help to provide any information or video of the incident to aid in our investigation.”
Authorities are particularly interested in Jabbar’s activities in the 72 hours leading up to the attack. Surveillance footage reportedly shows additional individuals planting suspicious devices in the area, reinforcing concerns that Jabbar may not have acted alone.
The FBI has established a digital tip line and encourages anyone with relevant information to visit www.fbi.gov/bourbonstreetattack or call 1-800-CALL-FBI. Individuals can submit video footage, photos, or tips that might assist investigators in identifying associates or uncovering further details about the planning and execution of the attack.
“This is an active and complex investigation,” the FBI said. “Every piece of information, no matter how small it may seem, could be crucial to understanding the full scope of this tragedy.”
As the investigation unfolds, the FBI is collaborating with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure public safety and bring those responsible to justice. “The public’s assistance can make a significant difference in helping us connect the dots,” said Alethea Duncan, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s New Orleans field office.
The people of New Orleans and beyond are urged to remain vigilant and proactive as investigators work to untangle the details of this tragic event.