A Houston resident has been identified as the suspect in a New Year’s Day attack that left 15 people dead and more than 30 injured in New Orleans’ French Quarter. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.

The attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran, plowed a rented white Ford pickup truck displaying an ISIS flag into crowds on Bourbon Street early Wednesday morning. The incident occurred around 3:15 a.m. during New Year’s celebrations. After crashing the vehicle, Jabbar opened fire on responding police officers, injuring two. He was killed in the ensuing gunfight.

Jabbar, a former staff sergeant who served in the Army from 2006 to 2020, had deployed to Afghanistan in 2009. Inside the truck, authorities found weapons and a potential improvised explosive device. Law enforcement officials are investigating how he bypassed barriers intended to protect pedestrians in the area.

The FBI stated that they do not believe Jabbar acted alone and are pursuing leads to identify potential accomplices. Surveillance footage reportedly shows individuals planting potential explosive devices in the French Quarter prior to the attack.

The community has rallied to support the victims. Blood donations have been requested to assist those injured, and security measures have been heightened in the area. The Sugar Bowl football game, initially scheduled for New Year’s Day at the Superdome, has been postponed to Thursday to ensure public safety.

This is a developing story, and Bayou Beat News will provide updates as more information becomes available.