Crime
Man in custody outside the Houston, Texas home of the suspect in New Orleans car-ramming attack
Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the individual seen in the video or their relationship to Jabbar.
New developments have emerged in the investigation of the New Orleans terror attack that claimed 15 lives and injured dozens during New Year’s celebrations in the city’s historic French Quarter.
A video released on Wednesday shows a man with his hands raised outside the Houston home of the suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, as SWAT teams issued commands.
The FBI confirmed its Houston office was conducting a search of the residence on the city’s north side in connection with the attack.
Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the individual seen in the video or their relationship to Jabbar.
The FBI is pursuing leads to identify potential accomplices involved in the incident. “We are aggressively running down all leads to identify any possible associates of the subject,” the agency stated.
On New Year’s Eve, Jabbar, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran, used a rented pickup truck to plow into a crowd of revelers near the intersection of Bourbon and Iberville streets. After exiting the vehicle, Jabbar opened fire at responding officers before being fatally shot. Two police officers were injured in the exchange but are expected to recover.
Jabbar’s vehicle bore an Islamic State group flag, and investigators discovered weapons and potential improvised explosive devices (IEDs) hidden in coolers within the truck. A remote detonator was found nearby. Additional IEDs were located within the French Quarter, further heightening concerns about the scale of the attack.
“This man was trying to run over as many people as he could. He was hellbent on creating the carnage and damage that he did,” said New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick. “This was not a DUI situation.”
According to a Louisiana State Police bulletin, investigators reviewed footage showing three men and one woman placing an IED believed to be connected to the attack. This has raised suspicions that the incident was not carried out by Jabbar alone but as part of a coordinated effort.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has declared a state of emergency in Orleans Parish, enabling additional state resources to be allocated as the region prepares for upcoming events such as Super Bowl LIX and Mardi Gras.
Governor Landry emphasized transparency in addressing any failures that may have contributed to the attack. “We intend to be fully transparent with any defects that may have existed that allowed this attack to happen,” he said.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced the establishment of a fund to assist victims of the tragedy. She also urged the public to stay away from secured areas as investigators work to piece together what occurred.
The FBI has deemed the French Quarter an active crime scene. Weapons, IEDs, and other evidence linked to the attack are under analysis. Authorities continue to search for individuals potentially connected to the planning and execution of this act of terrorism.
Further updates are expected as investigators uncover more details about the motivations, coordination, and broader implications of the attack.
HOUSTON – A large law enforcement response was launched Monday afternoon following reports of an active shooter near the Harris County criminal justice complex in Downtown Houston.
According to authorities, the incident began shortly after 12:30 p.m. near 1115 Congress Street, in the vicinity of the Harris County Family Law Center.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots — with some accounts estimating as many as 30 rounds fired in rapid succession.
More than 40 officers from the Houston Police Department, including members of HPD Special Operations, converged on the scene.
Officials confirmed that a Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputy was shot in the shoulder during the exchange.
The deputy was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
The suspect, who exchanged gunfire with officers, was also struck multiple times.
Authorities confirmed that the individual was taken into custody at the scene and is currently receiving medical care.
The identity and motive of the suspect have not yet been disclosed.
It remains unclear whether the shooting took place inside or outside the courthouse building.
A witness employed with the juvenile probation department told that they heard at least eight shots ring out near the courthouse.
Another witness, present at the courthouse for jury duty, said they were instructed to “get down on the floor and cover their heads” during the lockdown.
The area surrounding the courthouse was immediately cordoned off by law enforcement, and the public is being urged to avoid the area as the investigation continues.
Multiple agencies are working jointly to secure the scene and gather evidence.
Further updates are expected as officials release more information regarding the suspect’s condition, possible charges, and the circumstances leading up to the shooting.