The suspect behind the devastating New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street, Shamsud Din Jabbar, attended Georgia State University, the school has confirmed. Jabbar, 42, graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in computer information systems after studying at the Atlanta-based institution from 2015 to 2017.
Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran originally from Texas, is accused of driving a pickup truck into crowds in New Orleans’ French Quarter, killing 14 and injuring at least 35 people. The incident occurred around 3:15 a.m. on Canal and Bourbon Streets, where celebrations were underway.
Authorities reported that Jabbar exited the vehicle and opened fire on law enforcement officers, injuring two before being fatally shot in a confrontation with police. Investigators later discovered weapons and suspected improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the truck and the surrounding area.
The FBI is treating the attack as an act of terrorism, noting that Jabbar had an ISIS flag in the vehicle and had posted videos expressing allegiance to the group. Investigators believe he acted alone in planning the attack.
Jabbar’s military service included active duty in the U.S. Army from 2006 to 2015, with deployment to Afghanistan in 2009. He transitioned to the Army Reserve until 2020, achieving the rank of staff sergeant before being honorably discharged.
Officials are continuing their investigation into Jabbar’s motive and potential connections.
The attack occurred on the same day the University of Georgia was scheduled to play Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl, which was subsequently postponed. A UGA student, Elle Eisele, was among those critically injured in the attack.
