The festive atmosphere in New Orleans turned into a nightmare this New Year’s Day when a deadly attack shocked the French Quarter.
Federal investigators believe Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran, orchestrated the tragedy.
Driving an electric truck, Jabbar plowed into a crowd of revelers, killing 15 and injuring at least 35 others.
Authorities suspect that Jabbar, originally from Texas, prepared improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at a rental property near the attack site.
The property, located in St. Roch, was reportedly rented via Airbnb.
FBI Investigation Uncovers Bomb Materials
Hours after the attack, the FBI, along with special agents from the ATF and Homeland Security, secured the St. Roch rental.
Exclusive photos captured agents removing bomb-making materials from the two-bedroom property, which was sealed off within a three-street radius.
Residents and tourists staying in nearby rentals were evacuated, leaving many without accommodation.
Firefighters initially responded to the property for a fire, which led to the discovery of explosive materials.
State Attorney General Liz Murrill confirmed that the property was being used for bomb preparation.
Investigators are now piecing together the timeline and motives behind Jabbar’s actions.
Jabbar’s Dark Journey to Radicalization
Jabbar’s vehicle, rented via Turo, was reportedly adorned with an ISIS flag.
Investigators discovered videos made by Jabbar during his drive from Texas to Louisiana.
These recordings mention his divorce, radicalization, and plans to harm his family under the guise of a fake celebration.
His brother, Abdur Jabbar, expressed disbelief, describing him as a kind and caring individual.
“What he did does not represent Islam,” he told The New York Times. “This is radicalization, not religion.”
A Chilling Connection: Las Vegas Explosion
Hours after the New Orleans attack, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing one person and injuring seven.
The explosion, described by Elon Musk as “likely an act of terrorism,” has raised questions about a possible connection between the two incidents.
The rented Cybertruck, also obtained through Turo, was carrying a bomb in its bed.
Musk assured the public that the explosion was unrelated to the vehicle’s design or function.
Authorities Investigate Possible Links
Federal agencies are investigating whether the New Orleans and Las Vegas incidents are connected.
Both vehicles were rented through Turo, sparking concerns about vulnerabilities in rental services being exploited for malicious purposes.
As the investigations continue, the nation grapples with the devastating loss and the broader implications of these tragic events.
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