New Orleans, January 1, 2025 – In the early hours of New Year’s Day, amidst the celebrations in New Orleans’ French Quarter, a harrowing incident unfolded that has since turned the city’s focus towards security and terrorism. Two explosive devices were discovered near the iconic St. Louis Cathedral, escalating an already tragic event where a truck rammed into a crowd, killing at least 10 and injuring dozens
The incident began around 3:15 a.m. when a pickup truck, driven by 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, plowed through a crowd on Bourbon Street. Following the vehicle attack, Jabbar was killed in a shootout with police. The FBI has taken over the investigation, treating the incident as an act of terrorism, confirmed by statements from New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick and Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
In the aftermath of this attack, the presence of explosive devices near the St. Louis Cathedral added another layer of complexity to the investigation. Reports from multiple sources indicate that by 6 AM on January 1, law enforcement officials had located two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the vicinity of the cathedral. These devices were deemed viable, meaning they had the potential to explode if not handled correctly. The FBI, leading the charge on this investigation, confirmed that these were indeed IEDs, and they were safely detonated under controlled conditions by bomb squad members.
The discovery of these explosives has raised questions about the preparation and motives behind the attack. Investigators are also looking into whether an ISIS flag was displayed on the truck, further suggesting a possible terror connection. This angle is being pursued as the FBI works to verify these reports and understand the broader context of the attack.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been in communication with the White House and other federal officials, reflecting the severity of the situation. The attack has not only left the community in mourning but also heightened security concerns, especially given the timing, right before the AllState Sugar Bowl, one of the city’s major annual events.
The St. Louis Cathedral, which has stood for centuries as a symbol of New Orleans’ rich cultural and religious history, was inadvertently drawn into this modern-day tragedy. Its proximity to the site of the vehicle attack and the discovery of explosives nearby have left many locals and visitors in disbelief, emphasizing the need for vigilance in public spaces.
As the investigation continues, the city is grappling with the implications of this attack. Security measures are being reviewed, and there is a call for community solidarity and resilience. The FBI, along with local law enforcement, is committed to uncovering every detail of this incident, ensuring that justice is served and preventive measures are strengthened to avoid future tragedies.
The New Orleans community, while shaken, remains united in its resolve to recover and rebuild, even as the echo of New Year’s festivities is marred by the somber reality of the day’s events. The city’s officials continue to urge citizens for patience and cooperation as they piece together what happened and why.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
Geen bestand gekozen
Ask anything
