A 42-year-old Texas man drove a rented pickup truck into a crowd celebrating New Year’s Day in New Orleans’ French Quarter, killing 15 people and injuring 35.
The man, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was shot and killed by police during the attack. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) described the incident as a potential act of terrorism.
The attack occurred at 3.15 am (5.15 pm in Singapore) at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon streets, a popular destination in the French Quarter.
Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick stated that Jabbar swerved around barricades before crashing the vehicle and firing on police officers, wounding two. Both officers are in stable condition.
An ISIS flag was found inside the vehicle, according to the FBI, which is investigating potential affiliations with terrorist organisations. Officials also discovered additional weapons and potential explosives in the vehicle and in other areas of the French Quarter.
US Representative Troy Carter indicated that the death toll might rise, though this remains unconfirmed by law enforcement.
“This man was hell-bent on creating carnage,” Kirkpatrick stated during a televised press conference. “We are working tirelessly to understand the motivations behind this horrific act.”
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell described the event as a terrorist attack, echoing similar sentiments from Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who emphasised the importance of a coordinated investigation across multiple agencies.
The attack disrupted the city’s New Year’s Day celebrations, which coincided with the annual Sugar Bowl, a prominent college football event.
Local media outlets, including Nola.com, reported that the Sugar Bowl has been postponed, though no official confirmation has been issued by its organising committee.
More than 300 officers were on duty in the French Quarter at the time, responding swiftly to secure the area and assist victims. Emergency services transported the injured to at least five hospitals, according to Nola Ready, the city’s emergency preparedness department.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as the truck barrelled through the crowded area. Zion Parsons, 18, recounted narrowly avoiding the vehicle while a friend was struck, leaving her severely injured.
“You could just see bodies everywhere—bleeding, broken bones,” he told Nola.com.
Verified footage from the scene showed victims lying in the street as bystanders and armed personnel responded.
MORE GRAPHIC FOOTAGE: The scene at the New Orleans NYE terror attack. pic.twitter.com/Y4SjBXPjpV
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 1, 2025
The attack raises concerns about public safety in New Orleans, particularly as the city prepares to host the NFL Super Bowl on 9 February.
Efforts to enhance security in pedestrian zones, including replacing steel barriers on Bourbon Street, are ongoing but were incomplete at the time of the attack.
President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have pledged federal support.
Trump condemned the attack as “pure evil,” while Biden assured local leaders of full federal cooperation.
This incident follows a global trend of vehicular attacks, including a December 2024 case in Magdeburg, Germany, where a man drove through a Christmas market, killing five and injuring dozens, and an 11 November 2024 incident in Zhuhai, China, where a man killed 35 people and injured 43 after driving into individuals exercising at a sports centre.
The FBI and local authorities are expected to provide further updates as investigations progress.
