Closing summary
We are closing our live coverage of the New Orleans attack that killed at least 15 people on New Year’s Day. Here is a recap of the day’s developments:
The FBI said Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old US citizen from Texas, drove a Ford pickup truck into a crowd of revelers on New Orleans’ famous Bourbon Street at about 3.15am.
At least 15 people were killed and more than 30 injured. The victims include Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, an 18-year-old who was due to start a nursing program, and Tiger Bech, a 27-year-old Louisiana native and former football player.
Jabbar served in the US army for 13 years, including a deployment to Afghanistan.
He was shot dead by police after reportedly exchanging gunfire with police.
Street barriers to prevent vehicle attacks in New Orleans in the area were in the process of being replaced at the time of the attack.
Joe Biden said the FBI found that “mere hours before the attack”, the suspect “posted videos on social media indicating that he was inspired by Islamic State, expressing a desire to kill”.
The FBI has said it did not believe Jabbar was “solely responsible” for the deadly attack and asked the public for help in tracking down associates.
Donald Trump falsely suggested the suspect was a non-citizen, saying “criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country”, despite the fact that the suspect was a US citizen.
Residents and tourists recalled scrambling for cover as scenes of unimaginable horror unfolded in New Orleans’ French Quarter.
Louisiana attorney general Liz Murrill said there is a huge law enforcement presence in New Orleans in the attack’s aftermath. She believes the Sugar Bowl should be delayed at least another day, but says the community is safe.
Condolences and condemnations rolled in from local sport teams to international leaders, while details about victims of the attack emerge in local news.
For more, here is an explainer everything we know so far:
Two more victims of the New Orleans vehicle attack have been identified by their former high schools.
21 year old Hubert Gauthreaux graduated from Archbishop Shaw High School in 2021. A spokesperson for the school said he “was tragically killed in the senseless act of violence that occurred early this morning in the French Quarter”:
We are asking the entire Archbishop Shaw family to pray for the repose of Hubert’s soul, his family and friends during this difficult time, and all those affected by this tragedy.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Kareem Badawi, who graduated from Episcopal School of Baton Rouge in 2024, died from his injuries in the attack, the school said in a statement, as reported by WDSU News. Another student, Parker Vidrine, was critically injured and hospitalized. The statement said:
It is with a profound sense of sorrow and grief that we share difficult news involving members of our Episcopal family. Earlier today, we learned of a horrific attack in New Orleans that has tragically impacted our school community. Because of the sensitive nature and out of respect for the families, there is only so much that is appropriate to share at this time.
We are deeply saddened to share that alumnus Parker Vidrine ’24 was critically injured and is hospitalized, and alumnus Kareem Badawi ’24 tragically passed away as a result of the attack.
