NEW ORLEANS – Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old US Army veteran from Texas, has been identified as the suspect in the New Year’s attack in New Orleans. Jabbar, who experienced marital and financial difficulties after leaving the military, drove a rented truck into New Year’s revellers, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens before being shot dead by police. An Islamic State flag was found in his truck, according to the FBI.
Jabbar served in the US Army as a human resources and IT specialist from 2007 to 2015 and in the army reserve until 2020. He was deployed to Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010 and held the rank of staff sergeant when honorably discharged. He was awarded the Global War on Terrorism medal for his service.
After leaving the military, Jabbar worked in real estate in Houston and as a senior solutions specialist with Deloitte, earning nearly US$125,000 a year. However, he faced financial problems, losing over US$28,000 in his real estate business and accumulating credit card debt.
Jabbar posted a series of online videos before the attack, discussing plans to kill his family and dreams that inspired him to join the Islamic State. His younger brother, Abdur Jabbar, described him as a “sweetheart” and a “nice guy,” attributing his actions to radicalisation rather than religion.
Jabbar had two previous charges for minor offences and graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor’s degree in computer systems. In a YouTube video, he spoke highly of his time in the US military, emphasizing the importance of great service and responsiveness.