Federal authorities investigating the New Year’s Day Bourbon Street terror attack in New Orleans confirmed that the evidence currently supports the theory that Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, acted alone. However, they emphasized that investigations into potential associates in the U.S. and abroad are ongoing, with leads being pursued in Houston, Atlanta, and Tampa, Florida.
FBI Deputy Assistant Director of Counterterrorism Christopher Raia revealed details of Jabbar’s movements in the months leading up to the attack. In June and July 2023, Jabbar traveled to Cairo, Egypt, and then to Canada before returning to the U.S. In October and November 2024, he made reconnaissance trips to New Orleans. During his October visit, he rode a bicycle through the French Quarter wearing Meta glasses, recording video footage, ostensibly to plan the attack. Released video clips show Jabbar cycling on Bourbon Street and Canal Street, close to the locations of the subsequent attack. One clip shows him wearing the glasses and a T-shirt bearing the words “It all starts with VMware vSphere.” While he wore the glasses during the attack, he did not activate the livestream function.
The investigation also uncovered Jabbar’s use of Airbnb to secure a short-term rental home and Turo to rent the truck used in the attack. Authorities detailed his movements on December 31, 2024, tracing his journey from Texas to Louisiana, where he unloaded the truck near his rental home in the St. Roch neighborhood. He planted two homemade bombs in coolers on Bourbon Street before driving the truck, displaying an ISIS flag, into the crowd at approximately 3:15 AM. He was subsequently killed in a shootout with police. The rifle used was purchased privately, and he had fashioned a homemade device to suppress the sound of gunfire.
ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson explained that while the explosive materials Jabbar used were readily available, his inexperience resulted in him using an improper device to detonate them. He also deliberately set fire to his rental home, attempting to destroy evidence. Investigators found explosive devices and bomb-making materials at the scene. Video footage confirms Jabbar was alone at the rental property before the attack. Initial reports suggesting the use of rare explosive materials were dispelled.
Jabbar’s background includes military service in Afghanistan and a later conversion to Islam. While authorities believe extremism developed after marital and financial difficulties, the investigation continues to explore all aspects of this devastating attack.