“Ex-US Army Staff Sergeant with a troubled financial history and ties to extremist ideology suspected in New Year’s crowd attack.”
January 2, 2025: The suspect behind the New Orleans New Year’s Day attack, identified by the FBI as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was a former US Army veteran who later worked as a real estate agent. Jabbar allegedly drove a truck into a crowd, killing 15 people and injuring dozens, before engaging in a shootout with the police.
Background and Military Service:
Jabbar served in the US Army from 2007 to 2015 as a human resource and IT specialist and later in the Army Reserve until 2020. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged after serving in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010.
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Financial Troubles and Personal Life:
Records reveal Jabbar faced financial hardships, including a failed real estate business and significant debt. His second marriage ended in divorce in 2022, during which he communicated financial struggles in legal correspondences.
Also Read: Trump Blames Democrats for Rising Crime After New Orleans Car-Ramming Tragedy
Radicalization Claims:
Authorities revealed that Jabbar posted ISIS-inspired content online just hours before the attack. A black ISIS flag was reportedly found in his vehicle. Despite his religious background, Jabbar’s family insisted his actions do not represent Islam but point to radicalization.
Community and Family Response:
Jabbar’s brother described him as a “kind and caring person” while expressing disbelief over his alleged involvement. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden confirmed that initial investigations suggested ISIS-inspired radical motives.
Ongoing Investigation:
Authorities are continuing their investigation into Jabbar’s motives and potential affiliations while focusing on the online content he shared before the attack.
