In a devastating turn of events in New Orleans, the FBI has unveiled Shamsud-Din Jabbar as the alleged perpetrator responsible for the deaths of at least 15 people on Wednesday.
Jabbar, a 42-year-old Texan, has a noteworthy military history; he served in the Army from March 2007 until July 2020, following a brief stint in the Navy’s delayed entry program.
Military Background
Military records indicate that Jabbar was an enlisted soldier in the regular Army, where he took on the roles of Human Resource Specialist (42A) and Information Technology Specialist (25B) until 2015.
He then transitioned to the Army Reserve, continuing his work as an IT Specialist until his discharge in 2020.
A significant part of his service included a deployment in Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010, ultimately rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Throughout his military career, Jabbar garnered several commendations, including three Army Commendation Medals and four Army Achievement Medals, alongside other honors such as the Army Good Conduct Medals and the NATO Medal.
His record also boasts a variety of ribbons and badges that signify his professional achievements and dedication.
The Incident
Witnesses reported that Jabbar allegedly drove a pickup truck into a crowded area of Bourbon Street around 3:15 a.m. local time on January 1.
After crashing into the group, he exited the vehicle and opened fire, leading to a gun battle with law enforcement that resulted in his death.
Tragically, several individuals suffered injuries in this chaos, including two police officers who were later hospitalized.
The FBI is now investigating the possibility that this incident was an act of terrorism.
Inside Jabbar’s rented truck, investigators discovered several weapons, as well as what appears to be an improvised explosive device (IED).
Additional suspected IEDs were located in New Orleans’ vibrant French Quarter.
Currently, the FBI’s bomb technicians are collaborating with local authorities to evaluate these possible threats and ensure safe disarmament.
Ongoing Investigation
Adding to the urgency of the investigation, a flag associated with the Islamic State group was found in Jabbar’s vehicle.
This finding has raised questions about his potential connections to terrorist organizations and how he acquired the truck involved in this tragic occurrence.
Before joining the Army, Jabbar had a brief tenure in the Navy, enlisting in August 2004 before being discharged just a month later, without ever attending basic training, as confirmed by a Navy spokesperson.
FBI officials have suggested that Jabbar may not have acted alone in this incident.
During a press briefing, assistant special agent Althea Duncan highlighted the ongoing nature of the investigation.
She encouraged the public to assist by sharing any information regarding Jabbar’s activities in the days leading up to the attack, emphasizing the importance of collective vigilance in unraveling the circumstances surrounding this horrifying event.
Source: Taskandpurpose.com