ISIS Flag Found in New Orleans Attack Vehicle, Suspect Identified/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The FBI confirmed the recovery of an Islamic State group flag from the vehicle used in the New Orleans attack that killed 10 and injured over 30. The suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen, was killed in a firefight with police. Investigators are probing potential ties to terrorist organizations as the French Quarter remains under lockdown.
New Orleans Attack: Key Developments
Suspect Identified
- The driver, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar from Texas, was killed in a shootout with police after the attack.
- A photograph shared among law enforcement showed Jabbar wearing camouflage near the vehicle after the incident.
ISIS Flag Discovered
- FBI agents found an Islamic State group flag in the truck used in the attack.
- Authorities are investigating Jabbar’s potential connections to terrorist organizations.
French Quarter and Superdome Lockdown
- Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry urged people to avoid the French Quarter due to the ongoing investigation.
- Security sweeps placed the Superdome on lockdown ahead of the Sugar Bowl game, though there is no word yet on delays.
FBI Investigation
- Officials are examining a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) found at the scene.
- The FBI is treating the incident as an act of terrorism, citing evidence gathered from the vehicle and Jabbar’s background.
ISIS Flag Found in New Orleans Attack Vehicle, Suspect is US Citizen
Deep Look
Attack Details and Aftermath
The attack occurred at 3:15 a.m. on Bourbon Street, where crowds were celebrating New Year’s. Jabbar drove a pickup truck into the revelers, killing 10 and injuring more than 30 before being stopped by police. He engaged officers in a firefight and was killed on-site.
ISIS Flag Raises Alarm
An unfurled Islamic State group flag was discovered inside the vehicle. While the FBI has not confirmed any direct operational links to ISIS, the flag’s presence has prompted investigators to probe Jabbar’s potential affiliations.
FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan confirmed that the bureau is treating the attack as an act of terrorism and is closely examining Jabbar’s background.
French Quarter Security and Sugar Bowl Concerns
The attack has put the French Quarter under heavy security, with law enforcement combing the area for additional explosive devices. Governor Jeff Landry emphasized that the investigation remains fluid and asked residents and tourists to stay away.
Meanwhile, the nearby Superdome, set to host the Sugar Bowl between Georgia and Notre Dame, is undergoing heightened security checks. Officials have not announced delays, but employees have been told to stay home until further notice.
Broader Implications
The New Orleans attack marks one of the most significant domestic terrorism incidents in recent years, reigniting concerns over lone-wolf actors inspired by extremist ideologies. As investigators work to determine Jabbar’s motives and affiliations, the incident underscores the continued threat of terrorism on U.S. soil.
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