Photo credit: NOPD News

In the early hours of the morning, a horrific incident unfolded on Bourbon Street, New Orleans. At around 3:15 a.m., a pickup truck plowed into a crowd of pedestrians, leaving at least 10 people dead and dozens injured. The chaos didn’t stop there. The driver, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar of Texas, exited the vehicle and opened fire on responding law enforcement officers. Officers returned fire, fatally wounding Jabbar at the scene.

Two officers were injured in the exchange and were rushed to a nearby hospital. Thankfully, their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, an ISIS flag was discovered in Jabbar’s rented Ford truck, sparking a terrorism investigation led by the FBI. Weapons and what appeared to be an improvised explosive device (IED) were also found in the vehicle. Bomb technicians are now working to neutralize any potential threats, including other possible IEDs discovered in the French Quarter.

Authorities are leaving no stone unturned in investigating Jabbar’s background and any possible connections to terrorist organizations. "We are aggressively pursuing all leads," the FBI said in a statement.

The agency has also launched a digital tip line for anyone with information or footage of the incident. If you can help, visit www.fbi.gov/bourbonstreetattack or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

This devastating act has left New Orleans reeling, with the vibrant French Quarter shrouded in grief and uncertainty. While the investigation continues, our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the resilient community of New Orleans.