The individual who carried out the early Wednesday morning terrorist attack in New Orleans was a native of Beaumont who had recently resided in the Houston region, according to the FBI.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, crashed a rental pickup truck into a throng in the French Quarter of New Orleans, killing at least 14 people and injuring scores more. Before being slain by on-scene police, he shot two first responders during a shootout.
Jabbar allegedly claimed to have been inspired by ISIS in social media postings he posted hours prior to the attack, as revealed by President Joe Biden on Wednesday night. The car used in the incident also had an ISIS flag on it. The FBI believes he did not act alone and is still investigating his possible connection to terrorist groups.
Don’t miss the next big story
To receive the stories you need about the city you love every weekday morning, sign up for The Launchpad.
Although Jabbar’s real estate license expired in February 2023, according to Texas Real Estate Commission data, he has recently worked for a Houston real estate firm.
According to public records, Jabbar resided in a house close to the intersection of Hugh Road and Crescent Peak Drive in north Harris County, which the FBI and deputies from the Harris County Sheriff’s office raided on Wednesday afternoon. Jabbar’s prior residences in Fresno, Fort Bend County, and Beaumont are all listed in the records.
We are requesting that people stay away from the area since we have secured a perimeter there. Specialized teams and FBI Houston staff will be present for a few hours. The FBI said in a statement that although this action is connected to the attack in New Orleans this morning, no other details can be given because the investigation is still underway.
From Buffalo Bayou Partnership, a message
Visit Cistern Illuminated in Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern this holiday season to experience peace and quiet. Kelly O. Brien, a Houston-based artist and engineer, created a calming sequence of light and sound that transforms 221 concrete pillars above sparkling water.
To learn more about this special Houston holiday event, go to buffalobayou.org.
Houston Landing is grateful for its sponsors.Become one now.
During his eight years in the Army, Jabbar was deployed to Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010, according to a U.S. Army official. Jabbar joined the Army for the first time in 2007 and was promoted to Staff Sergeant in 2015. From 2015 until 2020, he also served as an Army Reserve IT Specialist.
Houston Reporters on the ground saw authorities pull out an armored vehicle known as the Rook. During police standoffs in Houston, the massive piece of construction equipment that has been modified for law enforcement usage has been used to smash into residences.
According to a U.S. Army spokeswoman, Jabbar also served in information technology and human resources positions for the U.S. military from 2007 until 2020. Between February 2009 and January 2010, he deployed to Afghanistan. At the end of his service, he was a Staff Sergeant.
According to ABC News, Jabbar carried a handgun and utilized an assault weapon during the Wednesday attack. The FBI’s theory that additional persons were involved in the attack is supported by security footage showing four as-yet-unidentified individuals installing one of the explosive devices, which were found in the French Quarter.
According to court documents in Fort Bend County, Jabbar got married in 2017 and got divorced in 2021.
Jabbar had a small criminal past some decades ago, according to public documents. Although what Jabbar was accused of stealing is not documented in court documents, he was apprehended by Katy police in 2002 and charged with misdemeanor theft. Jabbar was fined $100 and given nine months of deferred adjudication for entering a guilty plea. First-time offenders are usually given a form of probation called deferred adjudication.
Beaumont police detained Jabbar for driving with a suspended license in 2005. He entered a no contest plea, which means that he accepted a six-month probationary period even though he did not acknowledge guilt.
Editor’s note: The FBI verified this morning that the incident claimed the lives of 14 persons. In the aftermath of the incident, the suspect was also dead. That explanation has been reflected in the amended story.
Republish this narrative
Our stories can be republished in print or online for free.
Republish this article
The Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License governs this work.
Death toll in New Orleans attack rises to 14; suspect lived in Houston
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
