Louisiana lawmakers on Wednesday condemned a “vicious” driving attack in New Orleans in which a truck plowed through a crowd on Bourbon Street early on New Year's Day.
The incident, which left 10 people dead and dozens injured, is being investigated by federal law enforcement as an act of terrorism. The driver, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, was killed in a gunfight with police.
“2025 quickly took a tragic turn in New Orleans,” Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) wrote on social platform X. “Instead of waking up and saying Happy New Year, we mourn the loss of innocent life and pray for all those injured.” ”
“Our city, state and country are hurting,” he continued. “I want to thank the law enforcement officers who ran into danger to save lives. May all of our New Year's resolutions be to spread love in the face of evil.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) condemned the attack as an “act of pure evil” and said “those involved must be swiftly brought to justice.”
The FBI is investigating whether Jabbar had any connections or affiliations with terrorist organizations after an ISIS flag and suspected improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and weapons were found in Jabbar's car. There were more potential IED locations in the French Quarter.
The agency said it does not believe Mr. Jabbar acted alone and is working to identify anyone who may have been involved.
“Let me be clear: We will not rest until everyone involved in this terrorist attack is brought to justice. New Orleans is resilient and we will not back down from this evil. ” said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) on the X show.
“Please join us in praying for the victims, their families, and first responders following this horrific act of violence on Bourbon Street,” he added in another post.
Sen. John Kennedy (R-Louisiana) called the attack “objectively evil” at a news conference Wednesday afternoon, along with law enforcement and state officials.
“I wish I had a better understanding of why bad things happen to good people. If I ever get to heaven, I'll ask,” he said. “For those who don't believe in objective evil, look at what happened in our city early this morning.”
