Anaiah Fowlkes ‘28
On January 1, 2025, at around 3:15 AM. towards the end of New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, disaster struck. An estimated total of 35 people were injured with 14 casualties after a man, later identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar (42 years old and from Texas), drove a Ford F-150 into a gathered crowd on Bourbon Street.
After hitting the crowd, Jabbar exited the vehicle, began firing on law enforcement, and bullets were exchanged. Jabbar was pronounced dead on the scene, and those who were injured were transported to a local hospital. The incident is currently being investigated as an act of terrorism, and in addition, the FBI recently confirmed that they believe that Jabbar acted alone in the attacks, and there is no known link between his attack and the explosive Cybertruck in Las Vegas.
In addition to the attack, explosive devices were also found at the intersections of Bourbon and Toulouse, Bourbon and Orleans, and a third in the French Quarter, although the exact location of the third is unknown.
In remembrance of those who passed, a candlelit memorial has been set up on Bourbon Street, with a large cross, flowers, and a date for a vigil ceremony in effect. Many people have stopped by to pay their respects or remember loved ones lost in this tragic event.
The New Orleans attack has sparked nationwide action, causing security measures around America to be doubled or questioned, as many people believe that more in-depth security measures could have prevented the attack and ensuing casualties.
Many donation sites and charitable organizations have since been founded to help the city of New Orleans rebuild after this horrific event.
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