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What We Do and Don’t Know About the New Orleans Attack That Killed 15 6 minute read 0 seconds of 2 minutes, 54 secondsVolume 0% By Rebecca Schneid Updated: January 2, 2025 1:04 PM EST | Originally published: January 2, 2025 11:07 AM EST In the early hours of the New Year’s Day celebrations on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, the city was attacked when a driver veered a pickup truck into the crowd, killing 14 people and wounding at least 35 others. The suspect was also killed in a gunfire exchange with police. The New Orleans Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Orleans field office continue to share details about the attack, but the investigation is still underway. In a press conference on Jan. 1, Alethea Duncan, an assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s New Orleans field office, shared that the suspect responsible for the attack had been identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar. She expressed that the FBI does not believe that Jabbar worked alone. Here’s everything we do—and don’t—know about the attack so far. What happened during the New Orleans attack? At “approximately 3:15 a.m.” local time, an individual driving a rented Ford pickup truck swerved around a police car protecting crowds celebrating on Bourbon Street, and drove through the festivities. CCTV footage released shows a white, Ford F-150 Lightning vehicle driving on to the pavement, turning sharply before hitting pedestrians. According to a press conference with the FBI on Jan. 2, authorities believe the suspect picked up the Ford on Dec. 30 in Houston. The New Orleans Police Department Public Affairs released an article on the attack later in the day on Jan. 1, chronicling the events. “Multiple law enforcement officers responded to a report of a vehicle having driven into a crowd of pedestrians on Bourbon Street,” the NOPD public affairs desk wrote. “Multiple people were reportedly struck before the vehicle crashed.” NOPD and the FBI stated that the suspect, after exiting the vehicle, opened fire on officers who responded at the scene—fire which they returned. The suspect was struck by fire and was pronounced dead at the scene. FBI Special Agent Aletha Duncan speaks to the media during a press conference on Jan. 1Chris Graythen—Getty Images NOPD and the FBI reported that those injured—including the two NOPD officers who were injured during gunfire exchange with the suspect—were transported to local hospitals via EMS for treatment. The FBI also confirmed that weapons and potential improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found in the pickup truck, as well as in other areas of the French Quarter. FBI bomb technicians are working to identify and “render those devices safe.” What do we know about the suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar? The driver and suspect has been identified as Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen, and Army Veteran from Texas. Jabbar joined the Army in 2007, serving on active duty in human resources and information technology and deploying to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010, an Army spokesperson is quoted as telling CNN. He transferred to the Army Reserve in 2015 and left in 2020 with the rank of staff sergeant. According to the New York Times, Jabbar was married twice. He divorced his first wife, Nakedra Charrlle Marsh in 2012, and was separated from his second wife. The Times also reported that Marsh’s new husband, Dwayne Marsh, said Jabbar had been acting erratically in recent months, “being all crazy, cutting his hair,” and that the couple had stopped allowing Jabbar to see his two children with Marsh. The FBI stated that an ISIS flag was located in the vehicle, and they are now “working to determine the subject's potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations.” In the Jan. 2 press conference, the FBI stated that Jabbar posted five videos on his Facebook on New Years Eve, which showed his support for ISIS. “So what I can tell you right now is that he was 100% inspired by ISIS,” said Christopher Raia, deputy assistant director of the bureau’s Counterterrorism Division. “We’re digging—we’re digging through more of the social media, more interviews, working with some of our other partners to ascertain a little bit more about that connection.” Though assistant special agent Duncan previously told the press that the FBI believed Jabbar had help in carrying out his attack, the FBI said on Thursday they thought that Jabbar acted alone in an “act of terrorism.” What do we know about the victims of the attack? Not much is known at present about the victims of the New Orleans attack—nor has law enforcement released an official list—however some have been publicly mourned. One victim, Kareem Badawi was identified as a student of University of Alabama in a press release from the school’s president. “I grieve alongside family and friends of Kareem in their heartbreaking loss,” the statement read. Badawi’s high school, the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge, wrote on Facebook that they would be hosting a prayer service for Badawi and another former student who was critically injured in the attack. Another victim, Martin "Tiger" Bech, was identified by Princeton as a former student and football player at the school. His coach stated that Bech was “a ferocious competitor with endless energy, a beloved teammate, and a caring friend.” Reggie Hunter was mourned in a Facebook post by his cousin, Shirell Robinson Jackson, who wrote that Hunter had just texted wishing their family “Happy New Year” before the attack. “Not a threat to anyone...he surely didn't deserve this, none of the victims did,” they wrote. The Times reported that recent high school graduate Ni’Kyra Cheyenne Dedeaux was also among the victims. Her mother, Melissa Dedeaux, posted a photo of Ni’Kyra on Facebook, mourning her loss. How have President Biden, President-elect Trump, and others responded to the attack? President Joe Biden released a statement on Jan. 1 confirming that he was briefed by law enforcement on the attack, and stating that his heart goes out to the victims. “There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation’s communities,” Biden wrote. Police investigators surround the white Ford F-150 pickup truck that crashed into a work lift in New Orleans on Jan. 1Matthew Hinton—AFP/Getty Images Biden later discussed the attack in a filmed address to the nation from Camp David, Md. "The FBI is leading the investigation to determine what happened, why it happened, and whether there's any continuing threat to public safety," Biden said. "The FBI also reported to me that mere hours before the attack, he [the suspect] posted videos on social media, indicating that he was inspired by ISIS, expressing a desire to kill. The ISIS flag was found in his vehicle, which he rented to conduct this attack. Possible explosives were found in the vehicle, as well, and more explosives were found nearby." President-elect Donald Trump responded to the incident via his social media platform, Truth Social, where he wrote that the New Orleans attack was indicative of a wider “crime rate” problem in the United States. “Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department,” he wrote. “The Trump Administration will fully support the City of New Orleans as they investigate and recover from this act of pure evil!” On Jan. 1, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry issued a State of Emergency in Orleans Parish, which he states will allow for allocation of resources to prepare for large events in the area coming up, including the Super Bowl LIX and Mardi Gras.

Deutsche Welle Follow 8.9K Followers Afghanistan: 14 killed in attack claimed by 'Islamic State' Story by Deutsche Welle • 11h Followers of a religious minority have been targeted by extremists in Afghanistan. The so-called "Islamic State" extremist group claimed responsibility for the attack.At least 14 people were killed and six wounded in an attack by unidentified gunmen in Afghanistan on Thursday night, a Taliban spokesperson said Friday without giving further details. "While we share our deep sorrow with the innocent victims of the incident, we are also making serious efforts to search for the corrupt perpetrators of this act and bring them to justice," spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement. What is known about the attack According to the Afghan news channel Tolonews, the incident took place on the border between the central provinces of Daikundi and Ghur. Most people in that area are Shia Muslims and it was considered one of the safest provinces. The victims had gathered to greet pilgrims returning from Karbala in Iraq, Tolonews said. Local Shiites went there about three weeks ago for the important religious festival of Arbain. 'Islamic State' claim responsibility The so-called "Islamic State" (IS) terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack. "Soldiers of the caliphate" had fired assault rifles "at a group of apostates," according to an IS statement broadcast on its usual propaganda channels. Let's bring in Marine veteran and Benghazi annex security team FOX News Taliban flaunting US failures in Afghanistan three years after botched withdrawal: 'Slapping us in the face IS considers Shiites to be apostates according to their extremist interpretation of Islam. Islamic State-Khurasan, a local affiliate of the Middle East-based Islamic State, has waged an insurgency against the Taliban, whom they see as their enemies. Although the Taliban promised greater security after taking power in August 2021 and also claimed to have largely crushed the group, IS regularly carries out attacks. sh/kb (dpa, Reuters) Copyright 2024 DW.COM, Deutsche Welle. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

New York Post FollowView Profile Alleged Islamic extremist in machete attack on NYPD cops asked family to ‘repent to Allah’ in disturbing manifesto Story by Joe Marino, Jorge Fitz-Gibbon • 43m ago 530 The 19-year-old alleged Islamic extremist suspected of attacking NYPD cops with a machete on New Year’s Eve penned a disturbing manifesto that urged his family to “please repent to Allah and accept Islam,” police sources told The Post. Trevor Bickford — a Maine resident who arrived in the Big Apple just days before the attack — carried the handwritten note in his backpack, along with a collection of religious material and $200 while staying at the Bowery Mission in Manhattan, the sources said. “To my family — specifically, mother — I’m sorry for not having been a good enough son,” the note read, according to a police source. “I fear greatly that you will not repent to Allah,” it said. “And therefore I hold hope in my heart that a piece of you believes so that you may be taken out to the hellfire. “To [my brother] Travis. Of anyone I’ve known who I have felt is closest to faith — it’s you,” he allegedly wrote. “Of anyone I’ve ever wanted to accept Islam with me — it’s you. Please repent to Allah and accept Islam. I fear for you. Alleged Islamic extremist in machete attack on NYPD cops asked family to ‘repent to Allah’ in disturbing manifesto© Provided by New York Post Trevor Bickford, 19, of Maine, was shot in the shoulder after allegedly attacking NYPD cops with a machete in Times Square on New Year’s Eve. Paul Martinka “To [my other brother] Devon, there was a time when we were close, but that time has passed,” the manifesto said. “You have joined the ranks of my enemy. And for that I can give you no kind words – return to Allah.” Bickford, of Wells, Maine, is believed to have become a radicalized Muslim in recent years following the overdose death of his father, Tom, who died in 2018 at the age of 41. The teen’s father played a “very active” role in the lives of his three sons, and “could often be found coaching them at football and wrestling,” the Portland Press Herald reported. Alleged Islamic extremist in machete attack on NYPD cops asked family to ‘repent to Allah’ in disturbing manifesto© Provided by New York Post Trevor Bickford, a reputed radicalized Muslim charged with attacking NYPD cops on New Year’s Eve, once appeared to be a normal American teenager. Facebook/Audra D'Antilio Simpson Bickford’s radical shift put him on the FBI radar, and sources said his name surfaced on an FBI “Guardian Watchlist” before he hopped an Amtrak train and traveled to New York, arriving on Dec. 29, according to sources. Around 10 p.m. on Saturday he allegedly attacked cops working the Times Square detail, including a rookie on his first assignment, police said. The young cop, who was still assigned to the police academy, suffered a gash to his head, and a Staten Island officer suffered blunt force trauma to the head. Both were taken to Bellevue Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Bickford was shot in the shoulder and wounded during the attack, police said. He remained hospitalized Sunday and has not yet been charged. Alleged Islamic extremist in machete attack on NYPD cops asked family to ‘repent to Allah’ in disturbing manifesto© Provided by New York Post Police and city officials said Trevor Bickford, 19, used this machete to attack cops in Times Square and had other knifes at the Bowery Mission where he was staying. Paul Martinka It is unclear how long Bickford had been staying at the Bowery Mission, but police sources said investigators found a sheath for the machete, a variety of other knives, and a collection of religious material. According to reports, Bickford once appeared to be a typical American teenager who played on a championship football team at Wells High School, won an art award in school for his jewelry and made the honor roll as a freshman.

LA Times Gunmen attack major Shiite holy site in Iran, killing 15 Gunmen attacked a major Shiite holy site in Iran on Wednesday, killing at least 15 people and wounding dozens. The attack came as protesters elsewhere in the country marked a symbolic 40 days since a woman's death in custody ignited the biggest anti-government movement in over a decade. [Mod Note: The photo from Tehran does not correspond with the terrorist attack in the city of Shiraz, so it was removed.] State TV blamed the attack on “takfiris,” a term that refers to Sunni Muslim extremists who have targeted the country's Shiite majority in the past. The attack appeared to be unrelated to the demonstrations. The official website of the judiciary said two gunmen were arrested and a third is on the run after the attack on the Shah Cheragh mosque, the second holiest site in Iran. The state-run IRNA news agency reported the death toll, and state TV said 40 people were wounded. An Iranian news website considered to be close to the Supreme National Security Council reported that the attackers were foreign nationals, without elaborating. Such attacks are rare in Iran, but last April, an assailant stabbed two clerics to death at the Imam Reza shrine, the country's most revered Shiite site, in the northeast city of Mashhad. President Ebrahim Raisi said that whoever led and planned the attack will “receive a regretful and decisive response,” without elaborating. IRNA quoted Raisi as saying, “This evil will definitely not go unanswered.” Earlier on Wednesday, thousands of protesters had poured into the streets of a northwestern city to mark the watershed 40 days since the death in custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, whose tragedy sparked the protests. Deaths are commemorated in Shiite Islam — as in many other traditions — again 40 days later, typically with an outpouring of grief. In Amini's Kurdish hometown of Saqez, the birthplace of the nationwide unrest now roiling Iran, crowds snaked through the local cemetery and thronged her grave. “Death to the dictator!" protesters cried, according to video footage that corresponds with known features of the city and Aichi Cemetery. Women ripped off their headscarves, or hijabs, and waved them above their heads. Other videos showed a massive procession making its way along a highway and through a dusty field toward Amini's grave. There were reports of road closures in the area. State-linked media reported 10,000 protesters in the procession to her grave. Hengaw, a Kurdish human rights group, said security forces fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators. The semiofficial ISNA news agency said security forces fired pellets at crowds of demonstrators on the outskirts of Saqez and pushed back demonstrators who tried to attack the governor's office. It said local internet access was cut off due to “security considerations.” Earlier in the day, Kurdistan Gov. Esmail Zarei Koosha insisted that traffic was flowing as normal, calling the situation “completely stable.” State-run media announced that schools and universities in Iran's northwestern region would close, purportedly to curb "the spread of influenza." In downtown Tehran, the capital, major sections of the traditional grand bazaar closed in solidarity with the protests. Crowds clapped and shouted “Freedom! Freedom! Freedom!” through the labyrinthine marketplace. “This year is a year of blood!” they also chanted. "[Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei] will be toppled!" Riot police on motorbikes were out in force. A large group of men and women marched through the streets, setting trash cans ablaze and shouting Death to the dictator!” as cars honked their support. Police unleashed anti-riot bullets at protesters in the streets and sprayed pellets up at journalists filming from windows and rooftops. Anti-government chants also echoed from the University of Tehran campus. Amini, detained for allegedly violating the country’s strict dress code for women, remains the potent symbol of protests that have posed one of the most serious challenges to the Islamic Republic. With the slogan #WomanLifeFreedom, the demonstrations first focused on women's rights and the state-mandated hijab, or headscarf for women. But they quickly evolved into calls to oust the Shiite clerics that have ruled Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The protests have also galvanized university students, labor unions, prisoners and ethnic minorities like the Kurds along Iran's border with Iraq. Since the protests erupted, security forces have fired live ammunition and tear gas to disperse demonstrations, killing over 200 people, according to rights groups. Untold numbers have been arrested, with estimates in the thousands. Iranian judicial officials announced this week they would bring over 600 people to trial over their role in the protests, including 315 in Tehran, 201 in the neighboring Alborz province and 105 in the southwestern province of Khuzestan. Tehran prosecutor Ali Salehi told the state-run IRNA news agency that four protesters were charged with “war against God," which is punishable by death in Iran. Iranian officials have blamed the protests on foreign interference, without offering evidence. Last week, Iran imposed sanctions on over a dozen European officials, companies and institutions, including foreign-based Farsi channels that have extensively covered the protests, accusing them of “supporting terrorism." The sanctions involve an entry and visa ban for the staffers in addition to the confiscation of their assets in Iran. Deutsche Welle, the German public broadcaster whose Farsi team was blacklisted, condemned the move on Wednesday as “unacceptable.” “I expect politicians in Germany and Europe to increase the pressure on the regime,” said DW Director General Peter Limbourg. In a separate development, most of the remaining portion of a 10-story tower that collapsed earlier this year in the southwestern city of Abadan, killing at least 41 people, fell on Wednesday, state-run media reported. The state-run IRNA news agency reported that a woman in a car parked near the site was killed. Other parts of the building had collapsed last month. The deadly collapse of the Metropol Building on May 23 became a lightning rod for protests in Abadan, some 410 miles southwest of the capital, Tehran. The disaster shined a spotlight on shoddy construction practices, government corruption and negligence in Iran. Videos spread online of the remaining tower crashing into the street as massive clouds of dust billowed into the sky. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Bismillah, salaam. There was an attack on a Imam Bargah in Peshawar, Pakistan, during Jumu'ah prayers. 30 martyred, over 50 injured. Please pray for the maghfirah of the martyred, well-being and patience for the injured and afflicted families, and of course for the swift advent of our Imam a.j.t.f (عليه السلام) so the enemies of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى), His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), and His Messenger's Progeny (عليه السلام) may be brought to 'Adl. Wasalaam.

ttps://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/islamic-state-in-afghanistan-claims-responsibility-for-attacks-targeting-taliban

This is so terrible...

My mother was talking on the phone with my Aunt, who lives in Kabul. In the middle of the conversation, my mom heard the explosion from her end. She heard the live explosion, and 80 people died in that instant. It's crazy how this stuff happens, and we never really talk about it as much as terror attacks in the west. My Aunts' neighbors are waiting for their dead children at the moment, they were standing guard in the area. It's really sad. If you haven't read into it, or want to read more, here you go. http://abcnews.go.com/International/90-killed-bomb-rips-central-kabul/story?id=47739486 Crazy part is, THE TALIBAN CONDEMNED THE ATTACK.

Asalamalekum, I am having anxieties that someone will harm my wife. If she goes out of the house wearing hijab, because of the current political situation. I want my wife to do proper hijab, but at the same time i fear for her safety. I read all the time muslims specially "womans" who wear hijabs being attacked and discriminated in America. What should i do in this situation? do you feel the same way about your loved ones, when they go out wearing hijab? W.salam

Do attacks like this help or hinder the Palestinian struggle? Read full here

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27558918$ The person that was arrested seems to have been cleared of the charge, and is now considered a witness. ...I'll wait until they release some extra information, such as a description of the attacker before commenting, but I think we all know to what group the person belongs to. Although, as tomorrow is election day in Belgium, the conspiracy theorists are saying that this was done in order to bring the Islamophobic far right parties into power.

Like: www.facebook.com/monitormideast

Can a wife hit her husband? Does islam have anything to say about abuse of men from women?

Katyusha Missiles Hit Baghdad Airport http://www.heyetnet.org/eng/iraqi-resistance/6010-katyusha-missiles-hit-baghdad-airport.html This incident was very nicely concealed by local and international media, it seems.