Crime
Shamsud-Din Jabbar served in US Army as an HR and IT specialist
The attack left 15 people dead and dozens injured. Jabbar was fatally shot by law enforcement after firing at responding officers.
New information has emerged regarding Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the suspect in the devastating New Year’s attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Army confirmed Wednesday that Jabbar, 42, had a notable military history spanning 13 years, including active duty service and time in the Army Reserve.
Jabbar enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 2007 and served as both a human resources specialist and an information technology specialist. His active-duty service lasted until January 2015, during which he deployed to Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010.
Following his active-duty tenure, Jabbar transitioned to the Army Reserve, where he served until July 2020. He achieved the rank of staff sergeant before leaving military service.
Before joining the Army, Jabbar briefly enlisted in the U.S. Navy. A Navy spokesperson confirmed that he entered the Delayed Entry Program in August 2004 but was discharged from the program a month later.
The Delayed Entry Program allows recruits to sign up for military service while deferring their ship date to basic training. During this time, participants are considered part of the Navy’s inactive reserve.
Jabbar is accused of carrying out a horrific attack in New Orleans during New Year’s celebrations, driving a rented pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street and subsequently opening fire on police officers.
The attack left 15 people dead and dozens injured. Jabbar was fatally shot by law enforcement after firing at responding officers.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation into the attack, which has been classified as an act of terrorism. Authorities are examining Jabbar’s military background to determine if it may have played any role in the planning or execution of the attack.
This tragic event has prompted heightened security measures and an urgent review of potential warning signs in Jabbar’s personal and professional history. Investigators continue to follow leads, including Jabbar’s military service, to uncover motives and identify any potential accomplices.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. — A 23-year-old man from Riverton has died following a shooting at a rural property in Cherokee County, Kansas, and his 19-year-old brother has been booked into jail on a second-degree murder allegation, according to information released by authorities.
The victim was identified as Gannon Reece, 23, of Riverton, Kansas. The suspect was identified as Joshua Wilson, 19, also of Riverton, who is the victim’s brother.
According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail on suspicion of second-degree murder. Formal charges are expected to be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Authorities said the Cherokee County Emergency Communication Center received a 911 call on October 23, 2026, reporting that a person had been shot at 4971 SE 67th, in a rural area of Cherokee County.
Deputies were dispatched to the location to investigate the reported shooting.
When deputies arrived, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services personnel examined the victim and determined that he had died.
The suspect, who authorities later identified as Joshua Wilson, was still at the scene when deputies arrived. Officers immediately detained him as the investigation began.
Authorities subsequently identified the deceased man as Gannon Reece and confirmed that Wilson was his younger brother.
Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail in connection with Reece’s death on suspicion of second-degree murder.
According to the information provided by authorities, formal charges will be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office. The available information does not specify whether prosecutors have formally filed the charges in court or whether Wilson has appeared before a judge.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances that led to the shooting.
No details have been released about what preceded the incident, whether an argument occurred, or what may have motivated the shooting. Authorities have not provided information about a possible firearm recovery or any other evidence beyond the initial circumstances described in the report.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Investigators are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding Reece’s death and gather evidence relevant to the case.
Authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Officials also announced a temporary road closure affecting SE Lostine between Highway 69A and SE 60th.
Motorists were advised to use alternate routes until further notice while the closure remained in effect. The information provided did not specify when the roadway would reopen.
Drivers traveling through the area were encouraged to follow local traffic instructions and allow additional time for their journeys.
The fatal shooting has resulted in the death of a young Riverton resident and the arrest of his 19-year-old brother.
While authorities have identified both men and disclosed the booking allegation, several details remain unknown, including the events leading up to the shooting and the formal status of the prosecution.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and Cherokee County Attorney’s Office are continuing to investigate.
Joshua Wilson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.