An apparent terrorism attack happened this a.m. in New Orleans on Bourbon Street. Initial reports suggest 15 killed and over 30 injured when Shamsud Din Jabbar, age 42 and a Houston resident, intentionally drove a rented EV pickup truck into a crowd of celebrants. He then got out and began shooting at bystanders including two police who returned fire. The perp died as a result.
There may have been as many 4-5 additional individuals involved in planting bombs near the attack site. The driver was armed with a pistol and a rifle. Explosive devices and a grenade plus an ISIS flag were reported found in the truck. FBI said to be investigating this as an act of terrorism.
The perp claimed to be U.S. born and have served in the Army. He has been working in real estate sales in Houston. Police and FBI are conducting a related raid this p.m. in Houston.
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Mainstream news is being less specific about details. I understand media caution. Some of the above may later be found to be rumor.
If it later is shown the guy's wife just left him or he was recently fired by an employer or has a history of psychosis, whipping up anti-Islamic furor won't be a good look for those involved. And the existence of co-conspirators is, at the moment, hypothetical.
This much we've known since it happened in Nice in 2016, killing 80: a vehicle is a more effective terror weapon than a firearm. Vehicles are literally everywhere and the expertise to use them is widespread.
The Sugar Bowl in NOLA has been postponed 24 hours. There is concern other such attacks may be planned or scheduled. Caution suggests avoiding crowds until the extent of this incident is determined.
More bits and pieces here, from Power Line.
