Authorities investigate Bourbon Street attack, vowing justice for victims of the New Year’s celebration tragedy. (Photo/ CNN)
Bourbon Street, (EPICSTORIAN) – Officers of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Louisiana are piecing together details of a devastating New Year’s celebration attack in New Orleans that left 10 people dead and at least 35 others injured.
During a joint media briefing on Wednesday, officials from the Louisiana governor’s office, the FBI, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), and Louisiana State Police shared updates on the tragedy.
Governor Jeff Landry was joined by FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan, NOPD Superintendent Anne E. Kirkpatrick, and Louisiana State Police Col. Robert P. Hodges at the briefing, a Georgia-based media said.
Suspect Identified as Former U.S. Military Member
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar of Texas, previously served in the U.S. military, according to two federal officials. The FBI confirmed Jabbar’s identity earlier in the day, and CNN reported that the Department of Defense has been contacted to review Jabbar’s military service records.
Authorities said Jabbar drove a rented pickup truck into a crowded area on Bourbon Street during New Year’s celebrations, the source further cited.
The vehicle, obtained through a non-traditional rental service, became a weapon in the attack. Investigators revealed that Jabbar had been staying in an Airbnb in New Orleans before carrying out the assault.
Barriers and Security Measures Under Scrutiny
New Orleans City Councilmember Jean-Paul Morrell addressed the ongoing debate about safety measures on Bourbon Street. He noted that barricades were in the process of being repaired at the time of the attack. However, Jabbar avoided the incomplete barriers by driving onto the sidewalk.
“The barriers were being repaired and replaced, but in this instance, the individual circumvented the barriers by going on the sidewalk,” Morrell said during an interview on CNN News Central. He added, “Even had the bollard barriers been up, the circumvention by riding on the sidewalk would have defeated them.”
Morrell’s comments highlighted vulnerabilities in the city’s infrastructure, raising concerns about the adequacy of current security measures in high-traffic areas like Bourbon Street.
Coordinated Law Enforcement Response
Governor Landry and law enforcement officials vowed to bring accountability to those affected by the tragedy. Col. Robert P. Hodges praised the swift response of first responders and emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Meanwhile, FBI Assistant Special Agent Duncan urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity as officials work to uncover Jabbar’s motives.
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“This is a tragic and senseless act,” Duncan said. “Our focus is on uncovering all details and ensuring the safety of our communities.”
Broader Implications
The incident has reignited discussions about the safety of public spaces and the challenges of addressing unconventional attack methods. As New Orleans mourns, local and federal officials are working to reassure the public that security will be strengthened.
