New Orleans Attack Suspect Was US-Born, Inspired by ISIS: Biden

Emergency service vehicles form a security barrier to keep other vehicles out of the French Quarter after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street on Jan. 1, 2025. Gerald Herbert/AP Photo

President Joe Biden has said the investigation into a suspected terrorist attack in New Orleans is still ongoing as the death toll rises to 15.

In a Jan. 1 address at the White House, Biden said the FBI is leading the investigation to “determine what happened, why it happened, and whether there is any continuing threat to public safety.”

More than 30 people were injured and at least 15 killed during the New Year’s Day attack when a pick-up truck rammed into crowds at the city’s Canal and Bourbon streets at around 3:15 a.m. After the vehicle stopped, the suspect emerged from the truck and opened fire on responding officers. The suspect died at the scene.

According to the president, the FBI has found that the alleged killer, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was an American citizen born in Texas.

“He served in the United States Army on active duty for many years; he also served in the Army reserve until a few years ago,” Biden said.

“The FBI also reported to me that mere hours before the attack, he posted videos on social media, indicating he was inspired by ISIS, expressing a desire to kill.”

Biden noted that an ISIS flag was found in the rented vehicle used for the attack. Explosives were also found in the truck and nearby.

Biden said the law enforcement and intelligence communities are still looking for co-conspirators while urging everyone not to “jump to conclusions.”

On the same day, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas, leaving the driver dead and seven others injured, with two briefly hospitalized. Biden said it’s unclear if the two incidents are connected as investigations continue.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) said in a Jan. 1 statement on X that the Cybertruck was filled with firework mortars, gasoline tanks, and camping fuel.

According to law enforcement, the vehicle arrived in Las Vegas around 7:30 a.m. and drove up and down Las Vegas Boulevard for an hour before parking in the valet area of the Trump International Hotel, where it exploded.

LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill told reporters the truck exploded outside the Trump Hotel at 8:40 a.m. local time.

The driver’s identity hasn’t been confirmed yet. The LVMPD said a joint investigation with federal, state, and local authorities is underway.

“Investigators are working to identify the suspect and determine if this was an act of terrorism. Current findings suggest this was an isolated incident with no indication of a larger plan,” the LVMPD said.