LA - Vehicle drives through New Year's crowd - Multiple fatalities reported - Bourbon Street New Orleans - January 1 2025

[imstilla.grandma]

Like many of Thursday's newspapers, the Times is leading on an attack which left at least 15 people dead in New Orleans on New Year's Day. A truck ploughed into revellers in the city's busy French Quarter before shooting at police. The front of the paper also features a report about a crackdown on suspected people traffickers, with a expansion of court orders to allow "bans on travel, internet and mobile phone use" - a measure aimed at reducing small boat crossings

Newspaper headlines: 'America under attack' and crack down on traffickers

Coverage of an attack in New Orleans which has killed at least 15 people dominates Thursday's front pages.

www.bbc.com

 

[Luna20]

It would depend on the weight and speed of the vehicle. As far as the fasteners are concerned, it depends on their material, design, length and diameter - and what kind of material they're fastened to. Concrete would have the greatest pull out resistance. Longer fasteners could have been purchased. JMO

The ones in the heart of the FQ are cemented in. They are not movable. It was designed this way to make it more exclusive, to see up close entertainment and to encourage walk through commerce.

There are street entertainers of every kind in the areas of no vehicle access. They are literally there to make a living.

In the Jackson Square area (another foot traffic only) there are many artists doing portraits. It’s a shame, the FQ is charming and it has the natural marks of a Parisian location if it wasn’t for a byproduct of decades long corruption.

 

[lonetraveler]

In the 2nd video of the man with his hand up, what is he holding in his hand? He appears to drop it behind him or into a hoodie.

I noticed that too.

 

[Tiff23fr]

Counterterrorism expert says feds doing deep dive on Bourbon Street suspect and possible ties to terrorist cells

Former FBI agent Jim Conway said field offices in Houston, New Orleans and across the U.S. are investigating the background of Shamsud-Din Jabbar of Houston.

www.khou.com

The FBI quickly took over the investigation after police found evidence that Jabbar, an Army veteran who lived in north Harris County, may be linked to ISIS or other terrorist cells. Here's what they've confirmed so far.

• FBI investigating the attack as an act of terrorism, believes Jabbar did not act alone
• Islamic State group flag found on pickup trailer hitch after it plowed through crowds on Bourbon Street
• Pipe bombs discovered hidden in coolers in the vehicle wired for remote detonation
• Additional potential explosive devices located in the French Quarter
• Surveillance footage shows three men and a woman placing improvised explosive device Later Update: A senior law enforcement official tells NBC News that four people believed to have planted bombs in New Orleans have been ruled out as suspects.
• Handgun and AR-style rifle recovered in Jabbar's pickup after shootout
• Attack represents latest example of vehicle used as weapon for mass violence
• A barrier system designed to prevent vehicle attacks was undergoing repairs in preparation for the Super Bowl, which is being played in New Orleans in February.
• If confirmed as ISIS-inspired, it would be the deadliest such assault on U.S. soil in years

 

[Furore]

Mr. Jabbar’s brother, Abdur Jabbar, said in an interview that the two of them spoke a couple weeks ago but that Mr. Jabbar did not mention any plans to go to New Orleans. He said his brother “was a sweetheart, really — a nice guy, a friend, really smart, caring.”

Interview with brother below

‘No Terrorist to Me’: Relatives and Friends Saw Few Signs Before Attack

The man identified as the suspect in the New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans served in the U.S. military, worked at Deloitte and grew increasingly devout.

www.nytimes.com

Tbh it’s the “nice one” that stay under the radar!

 

[Trino]

President Biden mentioned that Homeland Security is involved in the investigation. Why wouldn't congress want to hear from all of them? Do we know that the terrorist is home-grown? He was a US citizen but where was he radicalized if he was. These are questions that we need answers to.

Yes. We do know he was home-grown, born in Beaumont, Texas. HS does not investigate radicalization.

 

[Trino]

Mr. Jabbar’s brother, Abdur Jabbar, said in an interview that the two of them spoke a couple weeks ago but that Mr. Jabbar did not mention any plans to go to New Orleans. He said his brother “was a sweetheart, really — a nice guy, a friend, really smart, caring.”

Interview with brother below

‘No Terrorist to Me’: Relatives and Friends Saw Few Signs Before Attack

The man identified as the suspect in the New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans served in the U.S. military, worked at Deloitte and grew increasingly devout.

www.nytimes.com

Tbh it’s the “nice one” that stay under the radar!

His latest ex-wife didn't think he was so nice. Restraining order.

 

[Regal Beagle]

Cyber truck had a load of mortars on board per ABC news?! It definitely changes things IMO

 

[sasha17]

Cyber truck had a load of mortars on board per ABC news?! It definitely changes things IMO

More details in the thread for the Tesla explosion: NV - Tesla Cybertruck explosion at Trump hotel in Vegas investigated as a possible terrorist act, 1 Jan 2025

 

[LadyL]

"Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42... a U.S. citizen born in Texas..."

Suspect in New Orleans truck attack identified as 42-year-old Army veteran from Texas

Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, served in the Army on active duty from 2006 to 2015 and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2009, three U.S. defense officials said.

www.nbcnews.com

why would Trump say he was an illegal migrant <modsnip> ?

 

[KonaHonu]

I am just flabbergasted, looking at the pictures my fellow WSers have posted of the various barricades allegedly in place here.

They ALL seem totally inadequate to stop a truck racing down the street.

That aluminum looking one with the vertical posts is used here and probably in many cities just for crowd control. It’s to keep us out of the path of a parade, etc.

If someone wanted to, they could climb right over that or push it forward. Just leaning against it is enough to move it a few inches.

Why oh why were there not effective means initiated to prevent vehicular terrorism? Bourbon St. is a party street in a party town—-it’s going to be swarmed on New Year’s.

I blame the terrorist, of course. But I’m really stunned at what IMO was a very paltry and deficient use of barricades.

Here in Times Square, as I believe most people know, the NYPD blocks off a frozen zone on NYE. Sanitation trucks, bulldozers, and other sturdy vehicles are parked perpendicular to the streets. Plus since 9/11 the crowds are funneled through metal detectors.

It is draining for everyone but is so much more effective when it comes to a driver determined to inflict mass casualties.

JMO and experience.

I went to Boston on the 4th of July a few years ago specifically to see the firework display. I was acutely aware that the event is a prime target for terrorism - large crowd, patriotic event. But I went anyway because it was a life experience.

What I was amazed about was how thoroughly they blocked the streets for several blocks. They had used all the snowplows to block the streets in several layers to the point we had to walk single file past choke points every block. Police, fire, and EMS were pre-deployed inside the security zone with some of the firetrucks already hooked up to hydrants and their water cannons ready. It was really impressive.

The security NO had in place last night was pathetic by comparison!

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Ni’Kyra Cheyenne Dedeaux’s family in Gulfport, Miss., learned on Wednesday that the 18-year-old had been celebrating New Year’s Eve in New Orleans with her cousin and was among those killed in the attack on Bourbon Street.

“We didn’t know she was over there, because I would’ve discouraged it, especially during times when it’s the holidays,” said Jennifer Smith, Ms. Dedeaux’s grandmother. “None of my kids go to New Year’s parties. I’ve always had that fear.”

Ms. Jackson said Mr. Hunter, who worked as a manager at a warehouse, had a great sense of humor that sometimes came with a touch of sarcasm. He was known for dressing up, she said, and New Year’s Eve was no exception; he sported a pair of black-and-white Nike Jordans and a black polo shirt.

“Always wanted to look very nice,” she said.

Who Were the People Killed in the New Orleans Attack on New Year’s?

This is what we have learned about a few of the 15 people who died when a man slammed a pickup into crowds on Bourbon Street.

www.nytimes.com

 

[TexLil]

• Surveillance footage shows three men and a woman placing improvised explosive device

RSBM

A senior law enforcement official tells NBC News that four people believed to have planted bombs in New Orleans have been ruled out as suspects.

15 dead after car intentionally plows into Bourbon Street crowd

At least 10 people are dead and 35 others hurt after a car plowed into a crowd at Bourbon and Iberville Streets in New Orleans.

www.wdsu.com

 

[bestill]

Yes. We do know he was home-grown, born in Beaumont, Texas. HS does not investigate radicalization. Josh Hawley deleted his request.

Actually Hawley didn't delete it.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1874517876473782323

I will wait for more to come out during the investigation to determine his motive. I know he's an American citizen. HS does investigate terrorism - Terrorism and National Security Threats | Homeland Security

 

[Friday Fan]

Why go from TX to Bourbon Street?
This was a very specific location..

From your post: how he had at first planned

Am I understanding that he states he planned to gather his family (Plan #1)
but
instead decided to drive across state lines for hours and mass murder strangers. (Plan #2)

There is a recent case where someone has a Plan 1 (bomb) but it would kill too many so he justified to himself a Plan 2 (execute a CEO)

Bars lining the streets. Open 24 hours. People out 24 hrs. Narrow streets. Concentration of people in one area.


Houston had NYE events, but they're scattered all over the place. (Many are 10 miles from downtown)
And I don't see bar after bar in downtown Houston like they have in the French Quarter. Houston just isn't a "party town" or more correctly, the party just isn't in "one place".

Free New Year’s Eve celebrations in Houston that won’t break the bank

There’s still time to find something to do on New Year’s Eve in Houston without breaking the bank. From fireworks shows to live music, there’s plenty to do instead of staying home.

www.lonestarlive.com

 

[Trino]

I went to Boston on the 4th of July a few years ago specifically to see the firework display. I was acutely aware that the event is a prime target for terrorism - large crowd, patriotic event. But I went anyway because it was a life experience.

What I was amazed about was how thoroughly they blocked the streets for several blocks. They had used all the snowplows to block the streets in several layers to the point we had to walk single file past choke points every block. Police, fire, and EMS were pre-deployed inside the security zone with some of the firetrucks already hooked up to hydrants and their water cannons ready. It was really impressive.

The security NO had in place last night was pathetic by comparison!

Guesses are Jabbar (and others?) did their homework re: security, barriers, etc. Supposedly, permanent barriers were under repair for the Super Bowl, yet no one thought New Years Eve or Mardi Gras, both of which draw crowds, would be a concern? Why weren't the barriers fixed months ago and perhaps one at a time?

 

[Trino]

Actually Hawley didn't delete it.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1874517876473782323

I will wait for more to come out during the investigation to determine his motive. I know he's an American citizen. HS does investigate terrorism - Terrorism and National Security Threats | Homeland Security

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) wrote a letter to Chairman-elect Rand Paul of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, demanding the Biden Administration be held accountable following a New Year’s Eve terrorist-linked attack on New Orleans’ famed Bourbon Street.
Senator Hawley wrote, “They must give a full account of this attack and any departmental failures related to the incident.”

What failures would HS have? Would it not be more failures with the State of Texas or local Texas police?

 

[vls12345]

'It was pretty shocking:' Former Denver7 photojournalist witnesses moments right after attack in New Orleans

A former Denver7 photojournalist who witnessed the shocking moments right after the attack in New Orleans speaks to Chief Investigative Reporter Tony Kovaleski.

www.denver7.com

 

[red carpet fiber]

Why weren't the barriers fixed months ago and perhaps one at a time?

Simply negligent. Mardi Gras is every year. Sugar Bowl is every year. NYE is every year. SuperBowl coming up this year.
Just no excuse to not prioritize fixing their stupid barriers or at the very least properly blocking off the streets with sanitation trucks or tractor-trailers, or other impassible road blocks.

 

[nightowl1975]

<modsnip: Gun control discussion is off limits>

Given this guy had financial troubles, recent marital break down and restraining orders, had converted to Islam (representing some big life events)…were these not somehow flags that should have been on the system somewhere somehow when he owns or purchases an assault rifle?

<modsnip>

The only part of this that *might* begin to raise red flags for purchasing a gun would be the history of a restraining order. None of the other “life events” would even remotely qualify from a legal perspective. I also question if he purchased them vs stealing them or obtaining them illegally some other way.