Crime
New Orleans car-ramming attack suspect identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar
He was found with an ISIS flag in his possession, raising significant concerns about potential extremist motives.
New Orleans, LA โ The suspect in the deadly New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street has been identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran from Texas.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of January 1, 2025, claimed the lives of at least 15 people and left dozens injured.
The FBI has confirmed it is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.
Jabbar served in the U.S. Army from March 2007 to July 2020, primarily as a human resources and information technology specialist.
His military career included a deployment to Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010. He retired with the rank of Staff Sergeant and received several commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.
Before his Army service, Jabbar briefly participated in the U.S. Navy’s Delayed Entry Program in 2004 but did not complete boot camp.
After leaving the military, Jabbar worked as a real estate property manager. However, his life was marked by financial struggles, including debts and issues related to child support payments. His real estate license, obtained in 2019, expired in 2023.
The attack occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m. local time when Jabbar allegedly drove a Ford pickup truck into a large crowd of revelers celebrating on Bourbon Street. The truck was adorned with an ISIS flag, and investigators discovered weapons and potential explosive devices in the vehicle.
Following the collision, Jabbar exited the vehicle and opened fire at responding police officers, wounding two, before being fatally shot by law enforcement. Both injured officers are in stable condition.
Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) discovered at the scene and surrounding areas in the French Quarter were deemed viable, prompting an extensive search for additional explosives. Bomb squad units and investigators are continuing their efforts to secure the area.
Authorities have linked Jabbar to an Airbnb rental in the St. Roch neighborhood, where a fire broke out on Wednesday morning. The property, located at 1329 Mandeville Street, was reportedly rented by the suspect.
Firefighters extinguished the flames before law enforcement and bomb squad detectives took over the scene to investigate further connections to the attack.
Residents and eyewitnesses have criticized the absence of steel barricades on Bourbon Street during the New Yearโs celebrations. Jimmy Cothran, a long-time New Orleans resident, noted, โThey had the flimsy orange ones that you could just push over with your finger.โ
Law enforcement officials, including the FBI, are investigating Jabbar’s potential ties to extremist ideologies. Assistant Special Agent in Charge Althea Duncan of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office stated:
“We do not believe Jabbar acted alone. This attack appears to have been carefully planned, and we are pursuing all leads to identify any accomplices.”
The discovery of the ISIS flag has raised concerns about Jabbar’s potential radicalization. Investigators are examining his communications and activities in the months leading up to the attack.
The attack has sent shockwaves through New Orleans and the nation. Officials have emphasized the need to address mental health concerns and potential radicalization among veterans.
Governor Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency in Orleans Parish to allocate additional resources for security ahead of upcoming events, including Mardi Gras and Super Bowl LIX.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell expressed her condolences to the victims and their families, stating:
“This horrific act has devastated our community, but we will stand strong together to honor the victims and support their families.”
The FBI is urging anyone with information about Jabbar or the attack to come forward. They have also asked for photos or videos taken in the area at the time of the incident to help piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.
This heinous act has left a city and a nation mourning, while efforts to understand and prevent such attacks continue.
Crime
Who Is the Hero Teacher, Threw a Phone at Gunman John J. Griffin II, Tackled Him, and Fought Back During the Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting?
Another Unamed Hero in Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting: Teacher throwing phone at gunman Griffin J. John II who attacked , tackling him and fighting him.
Anyone Know Her Name? She Must Be Praised Just Like Kaylub Giamanco
BEND, Oregon โ Becky Drury, a 54-year-old teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, sustained serious injuries during the deadly school shooting on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Drury suffered gunshot wounds to her left arm and right hand and underwent surgery, according to the information shared about the incident.
As Drury begins what could be a lengthy recovery, new details have also emerged about the reported actions of another teacher who allegedly confronted the gunman during the attack. According to the account attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz during a press conference, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and fought back.
The teacher reportedly escaped the confrontation without physical injuries. Officials were said to have clarified that earlier information suggesting the teacher had been injured was incorrect.
Drury was among those injured in the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School. She sustained injuries to her left arm and right hand and required surgery.
Although the injuries were described as serious, the information provided indicates that she survived the operation. Her recovery may involve additional medical treatment, rehabilitation, and emotional support as she works to recover from the traumatic experience.
Her family, colleagues, students, and community members are hoping for her continued improvement and a successful recovery.
The shooting has left the school community dealing with grief, fear, and uncertainty. For those injured, the challenges extend beyond immediate medical care, as they and their loved ones face the psychological and emotional consequences of the violence.
Additional details attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz describe the actions of another Silver Rail Elementary School teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman during the attack.
According to the account provided, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and physically fought back. The teacher was reportedly not injured, contrary to earlier information about the confrontation.
The teacher’s reported actions have drawn attention because confronting an armed attacker can involve extraordinary personal risk. However, the precise sequence of events and the extent to which the confrontation affected the outcome should be established through official statements and investigative findings.
The teacher’s identity has not been provided in the supplied information. Protecting that person’s privacy may be particularly important while the school community and those directly involved continue to process the incident.
The supplied account also identifies Kaylub Giamanco as the person who reportedly shot and killed the suspect during the incident.
The suspect has been identified in earlier reports as John J. Griffin II, a 16-year-old. However, the exact spelling and order of the suspect’s name should be confirmed against official law enforcement records before publication.
The reported intervention by Giamanco and the actions attributed to the unidentified teacher are separate aspects of the developing account. Their precise roles and the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death should be described using verified statements from investigators.
As Becky Drury faces recovery, messages of support and prayers are being shared for her and everyone affected by the shooting.
Teachers and school staff often play a central role in supporting children, particularly during frightening and uncertain situations. The reported actions of Drury’s colleague have prompted expressions of appreciation, although the full circumstances should be confirmed before drawing definitive conclusions about what happened.
The emotional impact of a school shooting can continue long after the immediate danger has passed. Survivors, families, students, educators, and first responders may need access to counseling, mental health resources, and other forms of assistance.
Community support may also help families and injured staff members manage medical costs, time away from work, and other practical challenges during recovery.
The Silver Rail Elementary School shooting has left the Bend community confronting profound loss and uncertainty. As families mourn those who died, attention is also turning to the survivors who must navigate the difficult process of healing.
Becky Drury’s recovery remains an important concern for her loved ones and colleagues. The unidentified teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman may also need emotional support after experiencing such a traumatic event, even without physical injuries.
Prayers and support are being extended to Becky Drury, her family, the teacher who reportedly intervened, and every student, family, and staff member affected by the tragedy.