New Orleans: What we know about the victims after car plows through crowd

Ten people were killed after a driver slammed through New Orleans’ famed French Quarter early on New Year’s Day. 

More than 30 people were injured following the tragedy and what the FBI is investigating as an act of terrorism. 

What happened? 

Police said the driver sped through a crowd along Bourbon Street around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday as revelers gathered to celebrate the New Year. At least 15 people were killed and 33 were injured and taken to five local hospitals. 

Two police officers wounded in the shootout with the suspect were in stable condition.

Who were the victims?

The University of Georgia confirmed that one of their students was critically injured in Wednesday’s attack in New Orleans.

UGA President Jere W. Morehead announced the news on the social media platform X, stating: 

“I am deeply saddened by the devastating attack in New Orleans overnight, and I extend my sincere condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this terrible tragedy,” Morehead wrote on X. 

A Mississippi man who was celebrating New Year’s Eve in New Orleans said his friend who dreamed of becoming a nurse was among the people killed in an attack on Bourbon Street.

Zion Parsons, 18, said a vehicle suddenly appeared and he watched it hit his friend, 18-year-old Nikyra Dedeaux. 

Another victim from Fort Worth, Texas, was identified as Tiger Bech, a former student-athlete who attended Princeton and graduated in 2021. 

The victim’s brother, Jack, posted a message on X, saying in part: 

“You inspired me everyday now you get to be with me in every moment. I got this family T, don’t worry.” 

A 37-year-old father of two from Baton Rouge was among the 10 people killed.

Reggie Hunter had just left work and was headed with a cousin to celebrate New Year’s when the attack happened, his first cousin Shirell Jackson told Nola.com.

Hunter was killed and his cousin was injured, Jackson said.

Officials have not yet released the names of the victims, but their families and friends are talking about them.

Who is the driver? 

The FBI said the driver was 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas. 

A flag representing the Islamic State group was found in the truck and the FBI is trying to determine if he was associated with any terrorist organizations, the agency said in a statement.

Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick said the driver was “hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did” and he tried “to run over as many people as he could.”

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