Crime
Coroner confirms 15 people killed in New Orleans car-ramming attack
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, allegedly drove his pickup truck from Canal Street onto Bourbon Street around 3:15 a.m. on January 1, according to the FBI.
At least 15 people have been confirmed dead, and dozens more injured, following a suspected terrorist attack on Bourbon Street during New Year’s celebrations and the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.
The tragic incident has left the community reeling as families mourn the loss of loved ones and officials work to piece together the events leading up to the attack.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, allegedly drove his pickup truck from Canal Street onto Bourbon Street around 3:15 a.m. on January 1, according to the FBI.
The vehicle, reportedly bearing an ISIS flag, struck multiple pedestrians in a crowded area. Law enforcement later found firearms and a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) inside the truck.
Among the lives lost in the attack were:
- A Baton Rouge father of two, who was also a member of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club.
- A former football player from Lafayette, remembered for his contributions to his local community.
- A teenager, who had traveled to New Orleans with friends to ring in the new year.
The names of the victims have not yet been officially released, but grieving family members have begun sharing memories of their loved ones.
Among the critically injured is a University of Georgia student. President Jere W. Morehead confirmed the student’s condition in a public statement, offering support to the family and community.
Additionally, two Israeli citizens were reported injured in the attack. Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the involvement of its citizens and announced that a consular representative is en route to New Orleans to assist.
The FBI has taken over the investigation, treating the incident as a terrorist attack. Authorities are continuing to analyze evidence from the vehicle, including the ISIS flag and the suspected IED, to determine the perpetrator’s motivations and whether any accomplices were involved.
New Orleans officials, alongside federal and international partners, are working to provide support to victims and their families. The broader investigation is ongoing, with more details expected in the coming days.
This tragic event underscores the importance of vigilance during large gatherings, and authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activity. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Crime
Indiana Man Arrested for Allegedly Threatening to Assassinate President Trump in TikTok Videos
A 23-year-old Indiana man has been arrested and charged with making threats against former President Donald Trump after allegedly posting multiple threatening videos on TikTok, federal authorities announced Thursday.
According to a criminal complaint filed by the FBI, Douglas Thrams posted a series of videos between Monday—when Trump was inaugurated—and Wednesday, in which he allegedly threatened anti-government violence and called for the assassination of the former president.
In one of the videos cited in the complaint, Thrams reportedly stated, “Every U.S. government building needs to be bombed immediately.” He further escalated his rhetoric by saying, “He [Trump] needs to be assassinated, and this time, don’t… miss,” using explicit language.
Authorities noted that Thrams’ statements were particularly concerning in light of previous assassination attempts targeting Trump, including an incident last year at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the former president sustained a minor injury to his ear.
Additionally, an FBI affidavit revealed that in another video, Thrams was seen holding a rifle and tapping it, an action investigators interpreted as an implied threat.
Thrams was taken into custody on Thursday and has been charged with “interstate communications with a threat to injure,” a federal offense.
The case remains under investigation, and authorities have not disclosed any further potential threats. Thrams is expected to appear in federal court in the coming days.