Terror Strikes New Orleans

Edwin Buggage Editor-in-Chief Data News Weekly Tragedy Strikes on Bourbon Street As revelers brought in the New Year in New Orleans during the early hours of January 1, 2025, a tragic terrorist attack unfolded in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant from Texas, drove a rented pickup truck into crowds on Bourbon Street during New Year’s Eve celebrations, resulting in 14 fatalities and injuring at least 35 others. During this despicable act, Jabbar exited the rented vehicle opening fire on responding officers, who fatally shot him. During the investigation, it was later discovered that explosive devices (IEDs) were present in coolers near the scene, containing a rare explosive compound not previously used in terrorist attacks in the U.S. or Europe. With many theories surfacing in the ongoing investigation, it left City leaders, who are working with state and federal leaders regarding how to prevent future terror attacks in the French Quarter and in the City of New Orleans. President Biden Visits New Orleans On Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden visited New Orleans in the wake of the tragedy, visiting with families and attending an...