Crime
Video shows moment Shamsud Din Jabbar raced onto packed Bourbon Street from Canal Street in pickup truck
10 dead, 35 injured as driver rams New Year’s revelers in New Orleans
Just hours into the new year, New Orleans’ famed Bourbon Street became the site of a devastating tragedy.
A driver of a pickup truck intentionally plowed into crowds celebrating in the French Quarter, killing 10 people and injuring at least 35 others. Federal authorities are now investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.
Bourbon Street, renowned as a global destination for New Year’s Eve revelry, was teeming with visitors.
The city was also preparing for the Sugar Bowl college football playoff game at the nearby Superdome, further swelling the crowds.
“This was not a DUI situation,” New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick stated. “This was intentional.” She emphasized that the suspect’s actions were calculated to maximize harm, deliberately targeting pedestrians in the busy tourist area.
At approximately 3:11 a.m. on January 1, the suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, bypassed barricades at Canal and Bourbon streets, accelerating into the crowd.
He continued for nearly three blocks, crossing Iberville and Bienville streets, before crashing into heavy machinery just before Conti Street.
After the collision, Jabbar exited the vehicle and opened fire on responding police officers, injuring two. Both officers are currently in stable condition. Jabbar was fatally shot during the exchange with law enforcement.
Authorities recovered a handgun, an AR-style rifle, and an ISIS flag from the truck. Investigators also discovered potential explosives in the vehicle, prompting ongoing searches throughout the area.
The pickup truck, bearing Texas license plates, was tracked crossing the U.S.-Mexico border at Eagle Pass, Texas, in November.
Federal authorities clarified that the individual who initially brought the vehicle into the U.S. is not believed to be the attacker.
The FBI has confirmed they are treating the incident as an act of terrorism. “This morning, an individual drove a car into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing a number of people and injuring dozens of others.
The subject then engaged with local law enforcement and is now deceased. The FBI is the lead investigative agency, and we are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism,” the agency said in a statement.
Victims’ families are being directed to the University Medical Center (UMC) Conference Center on the first floor, near Tower 2, to receive updates and support.
The attack has left New Orleans and the nation reeling. As investigations continue, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity.
Law enforcement agencies at local, state, and federal levels are collaborating to uncover the full scope of the attacker’s motives and any potential accomplices.
Crime
Celeste Gusman, 66, Dies After Stabbing at Kalihi Business in Honolulu; Police Investigate as Homicide
HONOLULU, Hawaii — A 66-year-old woman has died following a stabbing at a business in Honolulu’s Kalihi neighborhood, leaving her family, friends, and the local community grieving a tragic loss.
The victim was identified as Celeste Gusman, according to the Honolulu Police Department. Officers responded to a business in the 2300 block of North School Street at approximately 3:20 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they found Gusman suffering from a stab wound. Emergency medical personnel quickly began providing advanced lifesaving treatment at the scene before transporting her to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Gusman later succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities also reported that another woman, who is in her 60s, sustained minor injuries during the incident. According to the information released, she was injured in a fall amid the disturbance and was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
No further details about the circumstances surrounding the second woman’s injuries have been provided.
Following the incident, police initially arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder. After Gusman died from her injuries, authorities reclassified the case as a murder investigation.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the stabbing. Police have not yet released information about what may have triggered the incident or whether the suspect knew Gusman.
The suspect’s arrest and the ongoing investigation do not establish guilt. Further details are expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and determining the events that led to the fatal attack.
The death of Celeste Gusman at 66 has brought sadness to those affected by this incident. A place of business in a familiar neighborhood became the scene of a tragedy, and loved ones are now facing the difficult reality of losing someone important to them.
While many questions remain unanswered, the loss of life has deeply affected the community. Friends, relatives, and neighbors are left remembering Gusman and hoping that the investigation will bring clarity about what happened.
Please keep Celeste Gusman’s family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. The injured woman and everyone affected by the incident also deserve support as they recover.
May Celeste Gusman rest in peace. May her loved ones find comfort, strength, and healing in the days ahead.