Investigators are now convinced that Shamsud Din Jabbar, the man behind the horrific New Year’s Eve attack in the French Quarter, was not acting alone. Jabbar drove a truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 15 people before he was fatally shot in a gunfight with police.
Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan of the FBI revealed that evidence found in Jabbar’s vehicle, including weapons, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and an ISIS flag, points to a possible network of accomplices. “We do not believe the suspect was solely responsible,” Duncan stated. “We are aggressively pursuing leads about his associates and potential connections to terrorist organizations.”
Evidence points to a broader plot
Authorities believe Jabbar’s attack may have been coordinated with others. “Weapons and IEDs discovered in his vehicle suggest this was not a spur-of-the-moment act,” Duncan explained. She also noted that investigators are working to determine how Jabbar acquired the materials and who may have aided him.
The FBI is asking the public for help in identifying any associates or suspicious activity linked to Jabbar. “Every piece of information could make a difference,” Duncan said.
Emergency response mobilized
In the aftermath of the attack, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry declared a State of Emergency to bolster the investigation and protect public safety. “This declaration allows us to bring every resource to bear in dismantling any threats beyond Jabbar,” Landry announced. The mobilization of the Louisiana National Guard and military police units underscores the severity of the situation.
President Biden: ‘We will get to the truth’
President Joe Biden condemned the attack and affirmed the federal government’s commitment to uncovering the full scope of the incident. “The FBI is leading this investigation as an act of terrorism,” Biden said in a statement. “We will not rest until we understand who else was involved and ensure the safety of every American.”
Biden also praised the swift action of local law enforcement and extended condolences to the victims and their families, calling the attack “an unspeakable act of violence.”
City on high alert
As New Orleans mourns the loss of life, authorities are intensifying efforts to prevent further attacks. Duncan emphasized the importance of public cooperation, stating, “If you know something, say something. This investigation is far from over.”
