Death Toll Rises to 15 in Deadly Pickup Truck Attack in New Orleans

New Orleans, The Gulf Observer: The death toll from a horrific pickup truck attack in the French Quarter of New Orleans has risen to 15, according to New Orleans Coroner Dr. Dwight McKenna.

Dr. McKenna confirmed on Wednesday that it will take several days to complete the autopsies of the victims, and their identities will be released once the process is finalized and families have been notified.

The attack, which took place around 3:15 AM local time (0915 GMT) on Wednesday, also left 35 others injured when a pickup truck ploughed through a crowded area popular with tourists. The French Quarter, known for its festive atmosphere, was filled with partygoers celebrating New Year’s Eve.

Police officials revealed that the attacker, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old US Army veteran from Texas, deliberately drove the truck onto a sidewalk and bypassed a police vehicle parked to block traffic, crashing into pedestrians.

The FBI has stated that they do not believe Jabbar acted alone. “We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible. We are aggressively running down every lead, including those of his known associates,” said Alethea Duncan, the FBI assistant special agent in charge of the New Orleans field office.

While the FBI has not disclosed specific details about Jabbar’s history, it was confirmed that he is a military veteran, having been honorably discharged from the US Army. Authorities are investigating potential accomplices, and sources indicated that surveillance footage shows individuals planting what could be explosive devices prior to the attack.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency in response to the attack, emphasizing the coordinated efforts between federal, state, and local agencies to ensure the safety of the public. “We want to make it clear: the Superdome and the surrounding area are safe,” Landry assured, noting that a military police company had been mobilized to assist law enforcement.

The Sugar Bowl, an American college football championship game scheduled at the Superdome, has been postponed until Thursday due to the ongoing security concerns.

In addition to weapons and a Daesh flag, a potential improvised explosive device was discovered inside the truck, according to the FBI. Authorities are continuing to investigate the attack and its possible terrorist connections.

Jabbar has a criminal history, with prior arrests in Texas, including a 2002 misdemeanor charge for property theft and a 2005 arrest for driving with an invalid license. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify all individuals involved.