New Orleans: car-ramming attack leaves at least 15 dead during New Year’s celebration – LINFO.re

The deceased suspect…

At least 15 people died this Wednesday, January 1, 2025 in New Orleansin Louisiana, United States during a car ram attack. According to information relayed by BFMTVa vehicle drove into the crowd in the historic and festive district, known as “French Quarter” (French quarter) in the middle of New Year’s celebrations. The provisional report also shows 35 people seriously injured. The alleged perpetrator, an American citizen named Shamsud-Din Jabbar, is dead. “He’s an Army veteran, we believe he left the Army on a regular basis, but we’re working to get all that information.” FBI Special Agent Alethea Duncan said of the deceased suspect.

…wanted to cause carnage

In its statement, the FBI said an Islamic State flag was found in the vehicle. As the car drove at high speed through the crowd, its driver jumped out and opened fire, prompting a police response. Two officers were shot and injured in the attack, authorities said. The driver “was fiercely determined to cause carnage”a police official from the American city, Anne Kirkpatrick, told the press. For their part, American investigators discovered a possible homemade explosive device at the scene of theattackalso affirmed the federal police FBI.

An attack described as “violence atroce”

During the New Year period, the municipality increased the number of law enforcement officers. The authorities expected a large crowd in the streets. The local police had mobilized all their staff, with the support of 300 additional officers from partner organizations. Mounted units and plainclothes patrols were also part of the system. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry called the incident a “violence atroce”. He also indicated that relatives of the victims could go to a dedicated medical center to quickly obtain information.

The reactions

Donald Trump cited a link between the attack and illegal immigration. “I have always said that some criminals coming from outside are more dangerous than those already present in our country. This truth has often been denied by Democrats and the media, but it is confirmed here”he declared on his Truth Social network. President Joe Biden condemned the attack in a statement. He reaffirmed that the United States “will tolerate no violence against their citizens.” For his part, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed his “thoughts” to the families of the victims and the injured. He expressed his support for the American people, sharing their pain in a message posted on X.