New Orleans, LA—In the early hours of New Year’s Day, a man drove a pickup truck into a crowded Bourbon Street, killing 10 people and injuring over 30 others in what officials suspect to be an act of terrorism. The driver, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas, was fatally shot in a gunfire exchange with police.

The FBI confirmed that an Islamic State (ISIS) flag was recovered from the vehicle used in the attack. Investigators are working to determine Jabbar’s “potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations.”

New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the act as “very intentional behavior.” Witnesses reported that the truck broke through barricades and sped down the iconic street filled with New Year’s revelers. The suspect opened fire on responding officers before being neutralized.

“This man was trying to run over as many people as he could,” Kirkpatrick said. Two officers sustained gunshot wounds but are reported to be in stable condition.

Federal Investigation Underway

Mayor LaToya Cantrell labeled the event as a likely “terrorist attack.” The FBI has launched an investigation into potential connections between Jabbar and foreign terror organizations. Law enforcement sources revealed that a flag resembling that of ISIS was flown from the truck. However, no group has claimed responsibility, and it remains unclear if Jabbar acted alone.

A long gun with a silencer and body armor were recovered from the scene. Potential explosive devices found nearby are being analyzed.

Officials Respond

President Joe Biden condemned the attack, calling it “unjustifiable violence,” and promised full federal support. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry described the incident as a “horrific act of violence,” urging people to avoid the French Quarter while authorities investigate.

The Sugar Bowl football game, set to take place at the Superdome later today, will proceed with heightened security measures, according to Kirkpatrick.

Witness Accounts

Jim and Nicole Mowrer, tourists from Iowa, recounted the chaos. They described the truck crashing into barricades at high speed, followed by gunfire. “We stayed in an alcove until it was safe and then tried to help, but unfortunately, some victims had already succumbed to their injuries,” Nicole Mowrer said.

Safety Measures and Preparedness

This attack has brought attention to longstanding concerns about safety in the French Quarter. A 2017 city memo identified the area as vulnerable to mass casualty incidents and outlined plans to enhance surveillance and barriers.