On 1 January 2025, a terror attack in New Orleans killed 14 people and more than 30 were injured. The attack involved a pickup truck driven into a New Year’s party crowd. A shootout with police killed the assailant, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old former U.S. Army serviceman with ISIS links.
Attack Analysis
The attack took place on Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Jabbar drove a pickup truck at a high speed into a densely packed crowd, creating chaos and destruction. After driving through the people, he exited the vehicle and opened fire on law enforcement officers. The police acted swiftly and killed Jabbar at the scene.
The Victims
Among the 14 killed is Edward Pettifer, a British citizen aged 31 and well-known to the British royal family. Pettifer is the stepson of Tiggy Pettifer, who served as a nanny to Prince William and Prince Harry in the past. His death has been covered in international headlines and has captured many hearts with its sorrowfulness.
The Pettifer family said:
“The whole family is shocked to hear the bad news of the death of Ed in New Orleans. He is a great son, brother, grandson, nephew, and the friend of everyone. We’ll all miss him very much.”
Royal Condolence
King Charles III expressed the most profound personal grief over the loss of Edward. He addressed a private expression of condolence to the Pettifer family. Prince William and Princess Catherine wrote that they “feel shocked and deeply saddened,” continuing: “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Pettifer family and all those innocent people who have been tragically impacted by this horrific attack.”
The Offender
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the attacker, is a U.S. Army veteran who served from 2007 to 2015 as a human resource and IT specialist. He then spent time in the Army Reserve until 2020. The Pentagon has confirmed his military history and noted that he has a minor criminal record, with charges of theft in 2002 and driving with an invalid license in 2005.
The FBI disclosed that Jabbar had pledged allegiance to ISIS and was acting alone in the attack. However, bomb-making materials were found at his Airbnb, raising concerns of possible further attacks.
ISIS Link and Radicalization
Although Jabbar acted alone, the FBI confirmed his strong support for ISIS. Investigators are looking into his activities during a 2023 trip to Egypt, suspecting possible radicalization during his time abroad.
A Second Incident in Las Vegas
Hours after the New Orleans attack, a different incident was reported in Las Vegas. A Tesla Cybertruck caught fire and exploded outside the Trump International Hotel. The lone casualty was an off-duty U.S. Special Forces soldier. The connection between the two incidents is yet to be confirmed by authorities.
Community and Global Reactions
The attack has left New Orleans and the world in shock. Vigils have been held to honor the victims, while the city mourns the tragic loss of life. The incident has sparked renewed discussions on counterterrorism measures and the need for improved monitoring of individuals with extremist affiliations.
Investigations Continue
The FBI and the local administration are conducting a wide-ranging investigation into the New Orleans attack. Officials are striving to find out how extensive Jabbar’s planning has been and prevent the would-be accomplices of Jabbar from carrying out their evil designs.
The New Year opened with a tragedy, which brought home the nagging specter of terrorism. As the world laments the loss of lives, talks over the issue are observed that these incidents could be prevented in the future.
