New Year’s Eve is recognized as a celebration of the new year, filled with optimism and hope for the future. However, this year’s New Year’s Day proved to be a grief-stricken day for the citizens of New Orleans. As people celebrated the New Year on Bourbon Street, a highly populated strip full of bars and entertainment, a threat loomed over their heads. A man drove into the pedestrian designated street and killed a crowd of people celebrating the festivities. As the New Orleans community heals from the tragic deaths, they look to their city to prevent future tragedies.
On Jan. 1, at 3:15 a.m., a rented white truck drove around barricades blocking-off Bourbon Street. The driver mounted the sidewalk and aimed for large crowds of people. The truck crashed into a construction site farther up the road and the driver opened fire on surrounding policemen. The deadly attack killed 14 people in the French Quarter and left dozens injured and hospitalized. After a shootout with the police, injuring two officers, the attacker was taken down and shot fatally. The 42-year-old attacker was identified to be Shamsud-Din Jabar, a resident of Houston and Army veteran.
An investigation was held by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, concerning the motivations behind the attack. After a deeper search into Din-Jabar’s background, his social media history came to light, explaining his desire to kill, inspired by the terrorist group ISIS. Additionally, an ISIS flag was found on the attacker’s truck that pointed to an act of terrorism. This information verified the fact that this attack was planned out and premeditated; however, no terror organization has come out to claim responsibility. Furthermore, U.S. officials also confirmed that he had previously served in the U.S Military.
“I can’t believe an ex-military citizen would be the one behind this, especially since he served the American people. I think this should serve as a sign to treat veterans for mental health,” sophomore Brandon Willoughby said.
The last recorded terrorist attack on American soil was six years ago at a Naval Station in Pensacola, Florida. Since then, there have been no legitimate attempts on American Soil, which lead investigators to believe that the attacker may have been imitating a previous terrorist. However, after searching Din-Jabar’s car, FBI bomb technicians found an AR-15 style rifle and two potential improvised explosive devices, which were never used.
“If the bombs did end up being used in the attack, the impact would have been devastating, fortunately they weren’t,” sophomore William Pedron said.
The attacker had been seen to have been driving around police-set barricades throughout the city and mounting up onto the sidewalk on a mission to run over as many people as he could. This rampage ultimately stopped once he stepped out of the vehicle where he opened fire on three responding officers. The shootout ultimately led to him being struck by police fire and declared dead on the scene. He was rushed to a hospital to be treated where he later died.
“The police should’ve closed off the street completely, the whole thing could have been prevented. This was a popular local attraction and there’s always a risk when cars can drive near a heavily populated area”, junior Matteo Plaisir said.
In the aftermath of the tragic events, several memorial services had been held to honor the memory of the victims. Another memorial and prayer service was conducted on Jan. 8 to pay respects to those affected by the tragedy. In the aftermath, the community continues to use this attack as a reminder of how unity can help overcome obstacles in tough times and how the police can work together to anticipate similar attempts and stop them before tragic events happen.
“My heart goes out to those affected in these tough times and hope for a good rest of the year. I can’t believe we let something so terrible happen,” sophomore Valentina Amador said.