Multiple dead, injured after car plowed into crowd on Bourbon Street in act of terrorism
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Multiple people are dead and dozens injured after the New Orleans Police Department reported a car plowed into a group of people on Bourbon Street.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver drove around the barricades to conduct the act, said NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick.
New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell said in a press conference on Wednesday, Jan. 1 that the attack was reportedly a terrorist act. Kirkpatrick confirmed that the incident was intentional.
It happened around 3:15 a.m. at the corner of Bourbon and Iberville streets.
The NOPD reported about 15 fatalities with dozens of others injured including a University of Georgia student. After hitting the crowd, FBI agents said Jabbar got out of the truck and fired shots last the law enforcement officers.
Additionally, Kirkpatrick reported two officers were shot during the incident and were listed in stable condition.
Sources have confirmed to WGNO that Jabbar was shot and killed by NOPD officers in a return of gunfire.
According to FBI officials, 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar from Texas was driving an alleged rented Ford truck with what appeared to be an ISIS flag on the back.
Agents said they are currently working to confirm Jabbar's possible association with the terrorist organization.
A search of the vehicle revealed that weapons and a potential IED was found along with other IEDs in the French Quarter. Special Agent Bomb Technicians have partnered with police to determine if the devices are viable.
Anyone with information on the incident call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that unfolded in the French Quarter. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected.
As of now, 15 people are deceased. It will take several days to perform all autopsies. Once we complete the autopsies and talk with the next of kin, we will release the identifications of the victims.
As we work diligently in coordination with the New Orleans Police Department, FBI, and Homeland Security, we remain committed to supporting the community during this tragic time in our city.
New Orleans Coroner Dr. Dwight McKenna
Additionally, Bourbon Street has been shut down at this time, according to the NOPD. Officials with the Federal Bureau of Investigations advise drivers and pedestrians to avoid the surrounding area including Canal to St. Ann streets.
Councilman Freddie King's statement
Councilman Oliver Thomas' statement
Congressman Troy Carter speaks on Bourbon Street attack:
The FBI will head the investigation as they categorized this as an "act of terrorism." Agents are currently sweeping the French Quarter for explosive devices after an "improvised explosive" was found.
A horrific act of violence took place on Bourbon Street earlier this morning. 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
Many of us woke up this morning to devastating news of the brutal intentional slaughter of innocent people celebrating the New Year in New Orleans. I’m praying for the victims and their families and will ensure they get justice for this appalling act. Please avoid the immediate area at this time and listen to the law enforcement officers who are still on the scene.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill
The Sugar Bowl Committee is devastated by the terrible events from early this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We are in ongoing discussions with authorities on the local, state, and federal levels and will communicate further details as they become available.
Jeff Hundley, Chief Executive Officer
"This is a tragic day in the City of New Orleans. I want to send my deepest sympathies to the victims and families of those lost and injured in this horrible attack. I want to especially thank the brave NOPD officers who helped stop this suspect and I hope for the swift recovery of the injured officers. As a leader in our community, I pledge to continue to work relentlessly with NOPD, LA State Police, and all our public safety agencies to enhance security in and around the French Quarter to protect locals and visitors alike. New Orleans is strong, and no amount of terror can change who we are.
Councilwoman Helena Moreno
New Orleans is incredibly resilient, but this morning our hearts break for the innocent lives devastated by this hateful act.
Thank you to all of the first responders that activated quickly to prevent further carnage and continue to work this scene.
We ask the public to please adhere to all law enforcement requests to avoid the immediate area as they continue processing the very large crime scene.
District Attorney Jason Rogers Williams
“I have spoken personally with Secretary Mayorkas and the White House regarding last night’s unspeakable act of violence and will continue to receive updates. My heart is with the victims, their families, and everyone who witnessed this horrific attack during what should have been a joyful New Year’s celebration.
“I commend the swift actions of the New Orleans Police Department and federal law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to neutralize the threat and secure the area. Their bravery and dedication prevented further loss of life. As we continue to learn more about this tragedy, including the motive behind such senseless violence, I am committed to working with local and federal authorities to ensure justice for the victims and to strengthen measures that safeguard our communities against acts of terror.
“New Orleans has faced adversity before, and we will rise again, stronger and more united.”
Congressman Troy Carter
"Our prayers go out to those killed and injured in this morning’s horrific attack on Bourbon Street. This violent act is a sign of utter disrespect for human life. I join with others in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans in offering prayerful support to the victims’ families. I give thanks for the heroic duty of hundreds of law enforcement and medical personnel in the face of such evil.
Archbishop Gregory Aymond
We are deeply heartbroken by the tragic events that unfolded on Bourbon Street during last night’s New Year celebrations.
I was informed that some of our deputies who were in the French Quarter patrolling the streets were involved in responding to the incident and others were stationed at the booking bus near NOPD's 8th District station. I am deeply proud of them for their heroism but also grateful for their safety and security in the wake of this act of terror. I am acutely aware that, tragically, not everyone shared the same outcome.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost loved ones, those who are recovering in the hospital, and the officers who were injured while responding to this horrific act of violence. As a community, we mourn the lives lost and stand in solidarity with everyone affected by this senseless tragedy.
The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office is committed to supporting the victims and their families during this difficult time. Our Crime Victim Reparations Unit stands ready to support by ensuring assistance is made available to all victims and their families for funeral expenses and medical costs, and by providing access to counseling and support services as you navigate the aftermath of this gruesome act.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, please contact our victim services team at (504)827-6754 or (504)872-1059. Together, we will provide the care and resources needed to begin the process of healing.
We thank our deputies and all the first responders and medical teams who acted swiftly to save lives, and we remain committed to serving our community and all those impacted by this devastating event.
We stand in solidarity and support of the New Orleans Police Department, the Louisiana State Police, and all first responders. I also extend my gratitude to the Sheriffs from around the state who have reached out to offer assistance.
I began last night feeling very optimistic about the opportunities and progress we can achieve together as a community in 2025. While today’s events have certainly been disheartening, our commitment to this incredible city remains unwavering.
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson
So tragic. Give thanks for the police officers responding. Remember the wounded and dead and their families.
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy
When I said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted by Democrats and the Fake News Media, but it turned out to be true. The crime rate in our country is at a level that nobody has ever seen before. Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department. The Trump Administration will fully support the City of New Orleans as they investigate and recover from this act of pure evil!
President-Elect Donald Trump
I have been continually briefed since early this morning regarding the horrific incident that occurred in New Orleans overnight. The FBI is taking the lead in the investigation and is investigating this incident as an act of terrorism. I will continue to receive updates throughout the day, and I will have more to say as we have further information to share. My heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday. There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation's communities.
President Joe Biden
Please join me in praying for the victims and their families, as well as our first responders, in the wake of this horrific act of violence on Bourbon Street.
Congressman Steve Scalise
Anyone needing to connect with a loved one who may be a victim can call 311 and not 911.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry issued a state of emergency in response to the attack, allowing all available state resources to be used ahead of Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl.
Cantrell signed an emergency declaration to activate emergency response in the city.
City officials said the New Orleans flag will be flown at half-staff to honor the victims.
WGNO has a reporter at the scene. This is a developing story. We will continue to update it as more information becomes available.