Driver in Ramming Attack Had Traveled to New Orleans and Abroad Prior to Deadly New Year’s Day Assault

Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the driver responsible for a deadly New Year's Day ramming attack in New Orleans, had visited the city twice, traveled to Egypt and Canada, and was deeply involved in a months-long plot that culminated in the deaths of 14 people. Authorities revealed new details about the planning behind the attack, which also left numerous others injured and plunged New Orleans into grief and turmoil as it began the year 2025.

In the months leading up to the attack, Jabbar rode through the French Quarter on a bicycle, recording footage of his target with glasses equipped with a built-in camera, investigators said. He returned to the area again a few weeks later, likely continuing his preparations. His actions suggest extensive planning, raising questions about his motivations and connections.

The FBI is now piecing together a detailed timeline of Jabbar’s movements in the hours before the attack. This includes moments such as loading firearms into his rented pickup truck and planting explosive devices in coolers near Bourbon Street. Investigators are also looking back years to understand how Jabbar—a 42-year-old Army veteran with a high-paying job at an international accounting firm—became radicalized and adopted extremist views, allegedly aligning with ISIS (Islamic State).

Jabbar’s travels to Egypt and Canada in 2023 have become a focal point of the investigation, though authorities have yet to determine what, if any, role those trips played in his radicalization or in his attack planning. "Our agents are working hard to uncover the details of where he went, who he met with, and how these trips may have influenced his actions here in New Orleans," said Lyonel Myrthil, special agent in charge of the FBI’s New Orleans division.

The city has been struggling with grief, but it has also shown resilience. Bourbon Street reopened to the public, and preparations are underway for major events like the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras. A vigil, complete with a traditional second line, was held on Saturday evening to honor the victims. President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit New Orleans on Monday.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry expressed the collective sorrow of the state, stating, "I believe only the power of prayer and faith in God can pull them and us through this time," referring to the families affected by the attack and the broader New Orleans community.

The attack ended in a dramatic shootout with police, during which Jabbar was killed and two officers were wounded. Officials praised the swift police response, which they believe prevented further loss of life and kept the city from facing even greater devastation.