New Orleans Truck Attack: What We Know About the Tragedy/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A New Year’s Day truck attack in New Orleans killed 15 and injured about 30. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism, identifying the driver as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, who reportedly expressed support for ISIS. The Sugar Bowl was postponed, and global leaders have sent condolences.
New Orleans Truck Attack: Latest Updates
FBI Investigation
- Driver Identified: The FBI named Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran, as the attacker.
- Terrorist Ties: Jabbar posted videos expressing support for the Islamic State group hours before the attack.
- No Lone Actor: Authorities believe Jabbar may have had accomplices.
Victims’ Stories
- Nikyra Dedeaux: An 18-year-old aspiring nurse from Mississippi who cared deeply for her family.
- Reggie Hunter: A 37-year-old father of two celebrating New Year’s after work.
- Nicole Perez: A single mother and deli manager working to improve life for her 4-year-old son.
Global Condolences
- Pope Francis: Sent prayers for the victims and their families.
- Italian President Sergio Mattarella: Condemned terrorism and expressed solidarity with the U.S.
Impact on Sugar Bowl
- The College Football Playoff game between Georgia and Notre Dame was postponed to Thursday at 3 p.m. CST.
- Safety Precautions: The Superdome was locked down for security sweeps.
New Orleans Truck Attack: What We Know About the Tragedy
Deep Look
The Attack
The horrific incident unfolded on New Year’s Day as large crowds gathered in New Orleans’ French Quarter. A pickup truck plowed into pedestrians along Bourbon Street, killing 15 and injuring about 30 others. The driver, Jabbar, was killed in a shootout with police.
The FBI is treating the incident as an act of terrorism, citing evidence of Jabbar’s allegiance to the Islamic State group. Videos posted by Jabbar hours before the attack revealed his intent to kill.
Victims and Their Stories
The tragedy claimed the lives of people from diverse backgrounds:
- Nikyra Dedeaux, 18, had dreams of becoming a nurse and was remembered as a responsible, caring family member.
- Reggie Hunter, 37, a father of two, was celebrating the New Year with his cousin.
- Nicole Perez, a deli manager and single mother in her late 20s, was devoted to her young son and her work.
Global Reactions
Condolences poured in from global leaders, including Pope Francis and Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who condemned the attack and reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to combating terrorism.
Sugar Bowl Postponed
The attack forced the postponement of the Sugar Bowl, originally scheduled for Wednesday evening. The game will now take place Thursday afternoon, with heightened security measures in place. Fans and teams faced significant disruptions, with ticket prices plummeting as many attendees were unable to adjust their plans.
What’s Next?
The FBI’s investigation will focus on uncovering potential accomplices and understanding Jabbar’s motives. Meanwhile, the New Orleans community mourns the loss of lives and begins the process of healing after the devastating attack.
Takeaways
- Terrorism Declared: The FBI is treating the attack as a coordinated act of terrorism linked to the Islamic State group.
- Global Impact: Leaders worldwide have condemned the violence and expressed solidarity with the U.S.
- Community Mourning: The tragedy highlights the fragility of public safety during major events.
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