FBI Provides Comprehensive Update on Bourbon Street Attack Investigation
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The FBI New Orleans Division, led by Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Lyonel Myrthil, has provided a detailed update on the ongoing investigation into the tragic January 1, 2025, Bourbon Street attack. The incident, involving explosive devices (IEDs) and a vehicle attack, claimed lives, left numerous individuals injured, and deeply impacted the New Orleans community.
Investigative Efforts and Key Findings
SAC Myrthil highlighted the tireless work of FBI personnel and their partners from local, state, and federal agencies, emphasizing a commitment to uncovering the full scope of the attack and its planning. The FBI expressed heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, reaffirming their dedication to seeking justice and understanding the motivations behind this act of terror.
The Attacker’s Planning and Actions
The investigation identified Shamsud-Din Jabbar as the sole perpetrator of the attack. Evidence reveals an extensive and methodical planning process:
Preliminary Reconnaissance:
Jabbar made two prior trips to New Orleans in October and November 2024. During these visits, he stayed at a rental property and used Meta glasses—smart glasses capable of recording video—to capture footage while cycling through the French Quarter.
Videos retrieved from these trips, including those showing his reconnaissance activities, have been shared with the public to gather further information.
Cross-Border Travel:
Jabbar’s activities extended beyond the U.S., with documented travel to Cairo, Egypt (June 22–July 3, 2023) and Ontario, Canada (July 10–13, 2023). The FBI is investigating the purpose of these trips and potential connections to his actions in New Orleans.
Final Preparations:
In December 2024, Jabbar was seen visiting gun stores in Texas and purchasing an ice chest later used to conceal an IED. He entered Louisiana on December 31 and arrived at his New Orleans rental property that evening.
Timeline of the Attack
Key events surrounding the attack include:
December 31, 2024:
Jabbar’s rented vehicle was spotted in Gonzales, Louisiana, at 9:00 p.m. He arrived at his rental home in New Orleans by 10:00 p.m.
January 1, 2025:
Between 1:53 a.m. and 2:20 a.m., Jabbar placed two IEDs on Bourbon Street, hidden in coolers.
At 3:15 a.m., he used a pickup truck as a weapon, crashing into construction equipment before being stopped by the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD).
At 5:00 a.m., a fire broke out at Jabbar’s rental home, where additional explosive devices were later discovered. The fire was determined to have been intentionally set by Jabbar before the attack.
Victim Support and Community Response
In addition to the criminal investigation, the FBI emphasized the importance of supporting victims and their families. A Family Assistance Center (FAC) has been established at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church on Elysian Fields Avenue. The FAC provides services to those affected, including the return of personal items left at the attack scene.
FAC Hours of Operation:
January 1, 2025: 1:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., until all needs are addressed.
SAC Myrthil expressed gratitude to the community for their cooperation and support, noting the critical role of public information in advancing the investigation.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The FBI continues to analyze evidence collected from Jabbar’s residence in Houston, Texas, and conduct interviews with individuals connected to the case. Specialists at the FBI laboratories are working to uncover more about the origin of the IED materials and Jabbar’s network, if any.
SAC Myrthil acknowledged the multi-jurisdictional nature of the investigation, which spans states and countries. Collaboration with international and domestic agencies remains a priority as investigators piece together the events leading to the attack.
Conclusion
The Bourbon Street attack represents a dark chapter in New Orleans history, but the FBI and its partners are committed to uncovering the truth, holding the perpetrator accountable, and supporting the affected community. As SAC Myrthil stated, while nothing can undo the harm caused, the ongoing investigation seeks to provide answers and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The FBI invites anyone with additional information about Jabbar’s activities to come forward. The agency remains steadfast in its mission to deliver justice and uphold public safety in the wake of this tragic event.