The FBI has identified 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a US Army veteran from Texas, as the suspect behind the deadly attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. Jabbar, a native of Beaumont, Texas, is accused of driving a Ford pickup truck that killed at least 15 people and injured dozens more.
The attack, which ended in a gunfight with police, has left the city grappling with both grief and uncertainty over the motivations behind the violence.
The FBI found an ISIS flag inside the truck used in the attack, raising questions about Jabbar’s potential ties to terrorist organizations. The agency is investigating whether the suspect had any affiliations with terrorist groups, as well as the overall intent behind the attack.
Alongside the flag, several weapons and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered, including a handgun and an AR-style rifle. Authorities are also working to confirm how Jabbar acquired the rented vehicle used in the crime.
Who was Shamsud-Din Jabbar?
Jabbar’s background is revealing, yet puzzling. According to the FBI, he was honorably discharged from the US Army after serving in roles as a human resources and IT specialist. He had previously worked for major organizations, including Deloitte, earning approximately $120,000 annually. Despite these stable credentials, Jabbar’s personal life appears to have been marked by turmoil.
His ex-wife, Nakedra Charrlle, and her current husband, Dwayne Marsh, spoke to the New York Times about Jabbar’s recent erratic behavior, particularly after he converted to Islam. Marsh recalled that Jabbar had been “acting crazy” in the months leading up to the attack, which led him to stop allowing Jabbar’s two daughters from visiting him. In a 2020 YouTube video, Jabbar discussed his background in real estate, emphasizing his military service and his lifelong ties to Beaumont.
Financial struggles and personal crisis
Jabbar’s financial difficulties were also well-documented. Court records revealed he was facing significant financial pressures, including a $27,000 overdue home payment. He had incurred $16,000 in credit card debt to cover legal fees during his second divorce, a situation that appeared to weigh heavily on him in the months before the attack. These personal struggles, however, do not provide clear insight into what drove him to such extreme violence.
The attack and victims
The attack on New Year’s Day has shocked the city. Jabbar’s assault, which was reportedly carried out with explosive devices in key locations of New Orleans’ French Quarter, left dozens of victims, some of whom remain critically injured. Among the deceased were 18-year-old Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, 28-year-old former Princeton football player Tiger Bech, and 37-year-old Reggie Hunter, a Baton Rouge father of two. Hunter’s family described him as a loving father and a kind-hearted individual who “didn’t deserve this.”
The condition of many victims remains unclear, though two police officers injured during the gunfire exchange are reportedly in stable condition.
Motive still unknown
As the investigation continues, the FBI is probing whether Jabbar’s attack was an act of terrorism, citing the presence of an ISIS flag and the discovery of IEDs. However, authorities have yet to determine the full scope of his motivations. While some suggest personal financial struggles or extremist influences may have played a role, the full picture remains elusive.
For many, the devastating loss of life underscores the brutality of the assault. Shirell Jackson, a cousin of one of the victims, said, “Whether it was a terrorist or Joe Blow… from whatever, Louisiana, what they done was horrible. They devastated so many lives.”
