The new year celebration in New Orleans took a tragic turn early Wednesday morning when a driver intentionally caused chaos on Bourbon Street, leaving at least 10 people dead and over 30 injured. The horrifying incident occurred at around 3:17 a.m., just as crowds were ringing in 2025.
According to the New Orleans police, the driver, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, drove a pickup truck down Bourbon Street with the apparent intent to harm as many people as possible. Witnesses described the vehicle speeding recklessly through the busy street after entering from the Canal Street intersection. The truck displayed an ISIS flag on its back, and Jabbar also opened fire on responding officers, injuring two. Police returned fire, killing him on the scene. The injured officers are reported to be in stable condition.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick spoke at an early morning press conference, describing the driver’s actions as deliberate and devastating. “This man was hellbent on causing destruction. He drove with the intention to harm as many people as he could,” she said.
The FBI revealed during the same press conference that improvised explosive devices were found in Jabbar’s truck. While the motive is still under investigation, the FBI confirmed they are treating the incident as an act of terrorism and are now leading the inquiry.
A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning.
— Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) January 1, 2025
Please join Sharon and I in praying for all the victims and first responders on scene.
I urge all near the scene to avoid the area.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry expressed his condolences, asking people to pray for the victims and first responders. “A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning. Please keep everyone impacted in your thoughts,” he said in a post on social media.
Witnesses Jim and Nicole Mowrer, tourists from Iowa, shared their terrifying experience. They recalled hearing a loud crashing sound before seeing the truck speeding down the street, smashing through a barricade. The couple said they quickly sought shelter as gunfire erupted and later emerged to find several people injured. “It was chaos,” Nicole shared. “We did what we could to help those who were hurt before leaving the area.”
The tragic event has left the city shaken, casting a shadow over the New Year celebrations. Investigators are continuing their work to piece together the events and motives behind the attack.
