Who was Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the New Orleans attacker? What we know

Photo: Instagram/@fbi

The FBI has identified 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar as the man responsible for a horrific car-ramming attack in New Orleans. A US Army veteran from Texas, Jabbar has now become a suspect in this violent act that claimed the lives of 15 people, with dozens more injured.

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What Happened

Jabbar, who was driving a rented Ford F150 Lightning truck, crashed into a crowd celebrating the New Year in the famous French Quarter of New Orleans. Authorities found a Daesh (ISIS) flag inside the truck, which has led to an investigation into possible links to terrorist groups.
The attack is being treated as an act of terrorism, and the FBI is focusing on understanding Shamsud-Din Jabbar's background, including his time in the military and personal history. They are also investigating whether he had any accomplices, particularly in connection with explosives found near the scene.

The Life of Shamsud-Din Jabbar

Shamsud-Din Jabbar's life was filled with both achievements and challenges. He served in Afghanistan as a soldier, but after leaving the Army, things took a different direction. Though he graduated from Georgia State University and worked as a real estate agent, he eventually became involved in petty crimes and faced personal difficulties.

Jabbar posted chilling videos pledging allegiance to Daesh Hours before the attack showing that the attack was planned.
Jabbar’s weapon of choice was a long gun with a silencer, and nearby, explosives were discovered, adding to the terror. He was determined to cause harm.

The Victims

One of the victims of the attack was Martin "Tiger" Bech, a former Princeton football star known for his athleticism and friendship. Most of the victims were locals and tourists who were enjoying New Year's celebrations when the attack happened. A University of Georgia student is still critically injured, and two citizens from Israel were among those hurt.

Was Jabbar Alone

Authorities are investigating whether Jabbar had help in carrying out this attack. They suspect others may have been involved, especially in placing the explosives. While hours of footage are being reviewed, no clear evidence of accomplices has been found yet.

New Orleans Shaken

The attack occurred in the heart of Bourbon Street, a famous area in New Orleans known for its lively celebrations, especially during Mardi Gras. What was once a place full of joy and excitement has now been marked by tragedy. President Joe Biden condemned the act and called for unity in the face of hate. Meanwhile, the FBI continues to investigate the incident.

Brother Speaks Out

Abdur Jabbar, the younger brother of Shamsud-Din, shared his thoughts with The New York Times about his brother’s life and what might have led to this violent act. He explained that the attack was a result of "radicalization" but was quick to stress that this behaviour doesn't reflect Islam. Abdur described his brother as a kind, caring person—a "sweetheart," a "nice guy," and a "friend"—but he condemned his actions and made it clear that radical views and religion should not be confused.

Imam’s Reflections

Imam Fahmee Al-Uqdah, who knew Shamsud-Din Jabbar personally, also shared his shock and disbelief. The Imam met Jabbar when he returned to Beaumont to care for his father, who had suffered a stroke. He remembered Jabbar as a compassionate person who cared deeply for his family. When hearing of the attack, the Imam expressed his shock, unable to understand how someone he knew could carry out such a horrific act.

In his interview, the Imam said the tragedy was driven by "hatred and ignorance." He emphasized that Jabbar’s actions do not reflect Islam and mentioned that the loss of innocent lives deeply saddens the Muslim community.

The Ongoing Investigation

The FBI and local authorities continue their investigation, focusing on possible accomplices and Jabbar’s potential connections to terrorist organizations. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, alongside FBI agent Alethea Duncan, confirmed the possibility that others could have been involved.

Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick labelled Jabbar a "terrorist" based on his actions and the evidence found, including the Daesh flag in the truck. President Biden also confirmed Jabbar’s links to Daesh and stressed the importance of continuing the investigation.

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