‘We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible:’ New Orleans attack may involve more suspects

The FBI investigates the area on Orleans St and Bourbon Street by St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter where a suspicious package was detonated after a person drove a truck into a crowd earlier on Bourbon Street on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton) (Matthew Hinton)

The FBI is expanding its investigation into the deadly New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans, revealing that they do not believe the driver responsible, Shamsud Din Jabbar, acted alone.

BACKGROUND: Driver ‘hellbent on carnage’ kills 10, injures 30 in New Orleans on New Year’s Day

Recommended Videos



Authorities are actively working to identify other individuals who may have been involved in the incident, which is being treated as an act of terrorism.

“We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible,” the FBI said during a news conference. “We are aggressively running down every lead including those of his known associates.”

Islamic State flag and bombs found in attacker’s truck

The attack unfolded early on New Year’s Day when Jabbar drove a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing at least 15 people and injuring more than 30.

READ MORE: How did Shamsud Din Jabbar get the truck used in the Bourbon Street attack?

The scene, which was initially a celebration, quickly turned into chaos as police shot and killed the driver. Authorities are working to ensure there are no further threats as they piece together the details of the devastating event.

RELATED: What we know after a driver crashes into pedestrians on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street, killing 10

In a shocking development, investigators discovered an Islamic State group flag attached to the trailer hitch of Jabbar’s truck. Inside the vehicle, authorities found firearms and pipe bombs, which were concealed within coolers and wired for remote detonation. A corresponding remote control was also found, suggesting the presence of additional planning behind the attack.

FBI seeks more info about Jabbar

The FBI is calling on the public to assist in the investigation by providing any videos, photos, or information related to the incident.

WHO WAS THE DRIVER?: Driver identified as Houston resident in New Orleans’ New Year’s attack that killed 10

Authorities are specifically asking for any interactions people may have had with Jabbar in the 72 hours prior to the attack. A digital tipline and an emergency hotline—1-800-CALL-FBI—have been set up for public tips.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.


About the Author
Jyesha Johnson headshot

Jyesha Johnson, a Mississippi Delta girl who swapped small-town newsrooms for big-city screens at Houston’s KPRC 2, is all about telling stories—whether it’s on the web, social media, or over a good meal. When she’s not crafting content, you’ll find her outside soaking up nature or hunting down the best food spots.

Loading...