At least 15 people were killed, and dozens were injured in New Orleans on Wednesday when a man deliberately drove his pickup truck into a crowd celebrating New Year’s Eve. The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a US Army veteran, accelerated into the densely packed area, leaving what eyewitnesses described as a “war zone.”
Man, 1 day into 2025 and it's already a mess in America!💀
— Z-DRAGON (@IBZDRAGON) January 2, 2025
1. A Cybertruck exploded in front of Trump tower in New York, the Driver pas*ed away and 7 people injured!
2. Alleged Terrorist attack in New Orleans, a truck ran over the people with a flag of ISIS inside it! 15 Di*d! pic.twitter.com/FpPacfgzRC
Scene Described as ‘Insanity’ by Witnesses
Zion Parsons, 18, who traveled to New Orleans for the celebration, recounted the horror. “It felt like a movie scene. Bodies were thrown in the air. There was blood, trash, and devastation everywhere. It truly looked like a war zone.”
Another witness, Jimmy Cothran, recalled standing on a balcony when the incident unfolded. “It was madness. The graphic nature of the injuries was unreal. People were screaming and injured, with no immediate help around.”
Kimberly Stricklin and her husband, Michael, witnessed the moment Jabbar accelerated. “We heard him punch the gas, and then the screams. The impact was overwhelming. It felt like a horror movie. One girl’s scream is stuck in my head. I can’t forget it.”
Suspect: A Veteran with Military Background
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the suspect, was a former human resource and IT specialist in the US Army. He held a computing degree from Georgia State University and resided in Houston, Texas. Following the attack, Jabbar opened fire at police officers before being killed in a shootout.
Authorities revealed that an ISIS flag was found inside Jabbar’s vehicle, sparking an ongoing investigation by the FBI into potential extremist ties.
Aftermath and Investigation
New Orleans Police Chief Marcus Sullivan stated that emergency responders were on-site within minutes, providing aid to the wounded and cordoning off the area. “This was a targeted attack, and we are coordinating with federal agencies to determine the full extent of the suspect’s motives.”
Officials confirmed that security footage from nearby establishments captured Jabbar circling the area moments before the attack, reinforcing the belief that the assault was premeditated.
Community in Shock
The city of New Orleans, known for its vibrant celebrations, is in mourning. Local leaders and residents have expressed grief and solidarity with victims’ families. Memorial services are being planned to honor those lost.
Who Were the Victims?
Among the deceased were a football star, a single mother, and an aspiring nurse. The youngest victim was 16. Hospital officials confirmed that at least 25 people remain hospitalized, several in critical condition.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
