Driver Acted Alone, Pledged Allegiance to ISIS, Killing 14 and Injuring 35 in Terrorist Act

Driver Acted Alone, Pledged Allegiance to ISIS

The FBI has concluded that the driver who rammed through a crowd of New Year's revelers in New Orleans acted alone and had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in online videos. The attack, which left 14 people dead and 35 injured, is now being investigated as an act of terrorism.

The driver, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was a U.S. citizen and Army veteran from Texas. He had served in Afghanistan and later worked for the consulting firm Deloitte. Jabbar was facing financial difficulties and was in the process of divorcing his wife.

In the hours before the attack, Jabbar posted five videos on his Facebook account declaring his allegiance to ISIS. He also placed potential explosive devices in the French Quarter, which were later discovered by the FBI.

The attack occurred on Bourbon Street, a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant nightlife. The street was crowded with people celebrating the New Year and attending the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl.

Jabbar sped around a police blockade and drove into the crowd, killing 14 people and injuring 35 others. Two police officers were also wounded in the ensuing shootout.

The FBI has found no connection between the New Orleans attack and the explosion outside a Las Vegas hotel owned by President-elect Donald Trump. The Las Vegas explosion, which killed the suspect, involved fireworks and camp fuel canisters.

The New Orleans attack is the latest example of a vehicle being used as a weapon to carry out mass violence. Law enforcement officials are concerned about the increasing trend of such attacks, which are difficult to prevent.