Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, a man who appeared to embody quiet discipline and faith, shocked the nation when he rammed a truck into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, on New Year’s Day. The attack, which claimed at least 15 lives, left his family, friends, and former colleagues grappling with a grim and confounding reality.
While authorities investigate Jabbar’s ties to extremist ideologies, those who knew him paint a picture that contrasts starkly with the horrific violence.
The neighbor’s perspective: ‘He was always kind’
“He wasn’t a terrorist to me,” said Marilyn Bradford, a 70-year-old neighbor who lived above Jabbar in a Houston apartment building until last year. “He was always kind, always helpful. When I moved out, he gave me a dryer and a steamer. He was someone you’d call a good man,” quoted NYT.
Bradford recalled Jabbar helping her carry groceries and spending weekends with his three children. “He was an outcast, but I used to call him my buddy,” she added.
A high school leader who inspired respect
Former classmates from Beaumont Central High School shared similar sentiments. Micah Roach, who attended school with Jabbar, expressed disbelief. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw the news. He was presidential before his time—well-spoken, engaging with everyone, and respected by all,” Roach was quoted by 12newsnow as saying. “If he had asked to date my daughter back then, I wouldn’t have thought twice about it.”
Another classmate, Chris Pousson, described Jabbar as “quiet and really smart.” Pousson reconnected with Jabbar on Facebook after his military service and noted his increasing devotion to his Muslim faith. “He’d post about religion, but it was never extremist or violent,” Pousson said. “This attack is a complete 180 from the person I knew.”
Family members speak out
Jabbar’s younger brother, Abdur Jabbar, echoed the shock and sadness. “This is not who he was,” Abdur said. “What he did doesn’t represent Islam. He was radicalized somehow—this wasn’t about faith.” He described his brother as a man searching for purpose, who joined the military for discipline and direction.
A stellar professional reputation
Even in his professional life, Jabbar was known for his intellect and diligence. A former colleague at Deloitte, where Jabbar worked as an IT specialist, said, “He was sharp, focused, and never gave anyone trouble. He talked about his kids a lot, especially his daughters.”
Signs of change and unrest
Yet there were signs of instability. Dwayne Marsh, who is married to Jabbar’s ex-wife, said Jabbar had become erratic in recent months. “He was cutting his hair all crazy and acting out of character after converting to Islam,” Marsh said. “We stopped letting his daughters visit him because of his behavior.”
A tragedy that defies understanding
Despite these changes, many are struggling to reconcile the man they knew with the perpetrator of such a heinous act. “Sham was someone we looked up to,” Roach said. “He came from a good family, was incredibly smart, and could’ve been anything—an entrepreneur, a CEO. This tragedy doesn’t make sense.”
As investigations continue, Jabbar’s life, from his time in the US Army to his faith and struggles with civilian life, offers a sobering look at a man whose descent into violence has left those who knew him searching for answers.
