Federal authorities have released new information concerning the tragic incident on New Year's Day in New Orleans, where a vehicle plowed into a crowd, resulting in 15 fatalities and numerous injuries. The FBI has identified the deceased suspect as Shamsud-Din Jabbar.
According to FBI Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Alethea Duncan, Jabbar was a U.S. citizen residing in Texas. Details about his personal life have also emerged, including two previous marriages, the most recent ending in 2022. Court records indicate he had outstanding child support payments.
Jabbar's military history reveals service in the U.S. Army, spanning from 2007 to 2015 as a Human Resource and IT specialist. He also served in the Army Reserves until 2020, including a deployment to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010. His military record shows an honorable discharge and numerous commendations, including a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Parachutist Badge. Before joining the Army, Jabbar briefly enlisted in the Navy but was discharged before active service.
A review of Jabbar's criminal history reveals minor charges in 2002 for misdemeanor theft and in 2005 for driving with an invalid license. Voter registration records show him as an active voter in Texas. Prior to living in Texas, he resided in North Carolina and was registered as a Democrat in 2012.
This New Orleans attack follows a similar tragedy at a German Christmas market in December, where five lives were lost and numerous individuals injured. That incident, also investigated as a terrorist act, allegedly involved a 50-year-old Saudi doctor acting alone, according to the Magdeburg Police Department.
The FBI and the Texas Department of Corrections have been contacted for further comment.
