New Orleans officials have identified the suspect behind the New Year's massacre as Shamsud Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old man who was fatally shot during the police response to the attack.
According to The Advocate, a law enforcement source revealed that Jabbar was found with an ISIS flag in his truck. Karol Markowicz reported that Jabbar, a Texas native, had served in the US Army. New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno stated, "The suspect was in full military gear at the time of the attack and did not appear to be a local resident."
The suspect's name was initially withheld by authorities due to its commonality, as reported by ABC. Officials wanted to ensure the correct identity before making it public.
The truck used in the attack was traced back to the US-Mexico border at Eagle Pass, Texas, where it crossed on November 16. Reports indicate that the EV Ford F-150 was rented out by the owner through the Turo car sharing app.
Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the suspect's intent as causing maximum damage. "After plowing into the crowd, he got out of the truck and began firing," she said. This act of violence resulted in 10 fatalities and sent at least 35 people to local hospitals.
The suspect was killed during a firefight with the police, which also resulted in officer injuries. The FBI is currently investigating the incident as a potential terrorist attack.
Speculation has arisen regarding a flagpole seen in some photos of the truck. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser suggested it might have been an ISIS flag, but this has not been confirmed.
Nungesser told local news, "I had a national press person...ask me if I could confirm if there was an ISIS flag on the back of the truck...I do not know that for a fact...But I don't want to start a rumor, that was just what he heard, and he asked me to confirm that, which I could not do."
The investigation into this tragic event continues, with the hope of providing answers and justice for the victims and their families.
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