NEW ORLEANS – Sources via NBC News have confirmed the identity of the man who was behind the wheel and accused of driving a truck through a crowd of pedestrians gathered to celebrate New Year’s, News4JAX sister station KPRC in Houston reported.
Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, is said to be the driver who killed 10 people and injured 30 other revelers in New Orleans’ bustling French Quarter district early on New Year’s Day.
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According to public records, Jabbar is a Harris County resident and U.S. Citizen. Court records also show Jabbar has a previous criminal history, where he was arrested in 2002 and 2005 by the Katy PD and Beaumont PD, respectively.
Investigators added after the truck came to a stop, Jabbar opened fire on officers, who returned fire. Two police officers were injured in the shootout with Jabbar, who authorities said died in the gunfight.
The attack occurred on Bourbon Street, known worldwide as one of the largest destinations for New Year’s Eve parties, and with crowds in the city in anticipation of the Sugar Bowl college football playoff game later Wednesday at the nearby Superdome.
Police said Jabbar sped through a crowd along Bourbon Street around 3:15 a.m. early New Year’s Day as revelers had gathered to celebrate the start of the New Year. At least 10 people were killed and more than 30 others were injured and taken to five local hospitals. Two police officers were also injured in a shootout with Jabbar, who authorities said died in the gunfight.
A motive has not been disclosed, as of this writing, but the FBI is investigating the attack as an act of terrorism. The FBI also says an Islamic State group flag was recovered. A homemade explosive device was also found in the truck.
New Orleans’ Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick said the driver was “hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did” and he tried “to run over as many people as he could.”
Investigators added after the truck came to a stop, Jabbar reportedly opened fire on responding officers, who returned fire. Those officers shot are said to be in stable condition. Jabbar was killed during the shootout.
The Sugar Bowl playoff game in New Orleans has been postponed by 24 hours as the city grapples with the aftermath of a deadly attack in the French Quarter.
The FBI announced that it does not believe Shamsud Din Jabbar acted “solely responsible” for the Bourbon Street tragedy and is urging the public to come forward with any information that could aid the investigation.
In an afternoon news conference, the FBI said it is leading the charge in this investigation. They’re also asking anyone with information about previous connections with Jabbar to come forward via a digital tipline (or by calling 1800-CALL-FBI) because it does not appear he was working alone.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.