Latest on New Orleans Attack: Police Investigate Suspect's Motive and Potential Accomplices

 At least 15 people lost their lives in a New Year's Day attack on Bourbon Street.

Law enforcement agencies are intensifying their investigation into the devastating New Year's ramming attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, which claimed at least 15 lives and injured dozens more during the early hours of Wednesday.

Authorities identified the suspect as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Army veteran described as intent on causing maximum casualties. Officials reported that Jabbar circumvented a police barricade by driving his pickup truck onto the sidewalk and into crowds of revelers.

New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick revealed at a press briefing that security bollards were non-operational at the time due to ongoing replacement work for the upcoming Super Bowl. Jabbar's actions spanned a three-block stretch of the iconic street, where he struck pedestrians while firing into the crowd, according to police.

After crashing the truck, Jabbar exited armed with an assault rifle and a handgun, opening fire on responding officers. Police returned fire, killing the suspect, who was a U.S. citizen from Texas. Two officers were injured—one by gunfire and another when struck by the truck.

FBI Assistant Special Agent Althea Duncan disclosed that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other weapons were found in Jabbar’s vehicle. Two additional IEDs were discovered in the French Quarter and neutralized. Surveillance footage showed individuals potentially aiding in planting explosives before the attack, leading authorities to believe Jabbar did not act alone.

The FBI and local authorities are pursuing leads on Jabbar’s associates and have conducted searches in New Orleans, Houston, and other locations. The FBI is also investigating a possible connection between the New Orleans attack and a separate incident involving a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump Las Vegas hotel, suspected to be an act of terrorism.

President Joe Biden condemned the attack, describing it as a “heinous act” and confirmed that Jabbar had posted videos referencing ISIS and expressing violent intentions before the attack. The videos, currently under FBI review, reportedly document Jabbar’s drive from Texas to Louisiana and detail his grievances and plans.

Dr. Dwight McKenna, New Orleans Coroner, confirmed 15 fatalities and announced ongoing efforts to identify the victims. Meanwhile, officials continue to search for additional suspects and evidence related to the coordinated attack.