New Orleans attack suspect identified as former Army Staff Sergeant allegedly radicalized

Who was Shamsud-Din Jabbar, US Army veteran, now suspect in New Orleans attack

The suspect behind the New Orleans New Year’s attack, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was a US citizen and former military staff sergeant turned real estate agent from Texas. Jabbar’s life appeared marked by financial difficulties, a troubled personal life, and possible radicalization.

Military background and education

The Pentagon confirmed that Jabbar served in the US Army from 2007 to 2015 as a human resource and IT specialist, later joining the Army Reserve until 2020. He was deployed to Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant before his honorable discharge.

Jabbar graduated from Georgia State University in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in computer systems, according to the university.

Financial and personal struggles

Jabbar faced significant financial hardships, as revealed in an email he sent during his 2022 divorce. He detailed losing $28,000 through his real estate company and accumulating credit card debt to cover legal fees.

He had two previous minor criminal charges: one for theft in 2002 and another for driving with an invalid license in 2005.

Radicalization and attack

Authorities believe Jabbar may have been radicalized. President Joe Biden stated that Jabbar had shared videos online hours before the attack that suggested he was “inspired by ISIS.” A black flag associated with the ISIS was also found in his vehicle.

Despite his conversion to Islam at a young age, his brother, Abdur Jabbar, said the attack did not represent Islam but was instead “some type of radicalization.”

The New Orleans tragedy

Jabbar allegedly drove a truck at high speed into a crowd of New Year’s revelers, killing at least 15 people and wounding dozens. After crashing the vehicle, he reportedly opened fire and was killed in a shootout with police.

What did authorities uncover in their investigation?

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is probing the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans. Guns and pipe bombs were found in the suspect’s vehicle, according to the State Police bulletin. The devices were concealed within coolers and wired for remote detonation with a remote control, which was also found in the vehicle, the bulletin said.

Public persona

In a now-removed YouTube video, Jabbar praised his time in the military, describing himself as a “fierce negotiator” and emphasizing his commitment to service. However, his personal and financial struggles, combined with alleged radicalization, paint a complex picture of the man behind the attack.

Authorities continue to investigate Jabbar’s motives and connections as the community mourns the victims of the devastating New Year’s attack.

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