Four Deadly U.S. Incidents Leave 19 Dead, 70+ Injured

The American people are currently grieving as they face the aftermath of four tragic incidents that occurred within a span of 24 hours. These devastating events have resulted in the loss of at least 19 lives and have left over 70 individuals injured.

In New Orleans, a suspected terrorist with apparent links to ISIS is believed to have caused the death of 15 people on Wednesday morning.

The driver of a white Ford vehicle, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, allegedly deliberately drove into a crowd on Bourbon Street, displaying the group’s black flag on his pick-up truck.

Following the incident, investigators discovered several makeshift explosives, including two pipe bombs, at the site of the tragic event.

Authorities have also conducted a search of an Airbnb property that Jabbar rented prior to the attack. It is believed that potential bomb-making materials were discovered at the location.

As the devastated families begin to grieve for their loved ones, it is worth mentioning that the victims of this tragic incident include a talented football player and a young individual with promising prospects for college.

Just a few hours later, there was an incident involving a Tesla Cybertruck near President-elect Donald Trump’s hotel in Las Vegas.

The vehicle was carrying fuel canisters and ‘firework mortars’, and it exploded. Local media outlets have mentioned that the driver has a military background and served at the same base as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, as reported by Mirror.

Later that day, a tragic incident took place in Honolulu, Hawaii, where three individuals lost their lives and over 20 others sustained injuries during a New Year’s Eve fireworks display.

This horrifying event unfolded in a peaceful residential area, as videos shared on social media depicted a fireworks show that abruptly turned into a violent explosion in front of a house.

In Queens, New York City, just a day after the New Orleans attack, a nightclub shooting left at least ten people wounded.

According to the police, four men opened fire into a crowd at Amazura on 144th street in Jamaica around 3 am. This incident marks yet another tragic day in American history.

How did the events in New Orleans unfold?

At 3:15 am, Jabbar carried out a deadly attack in the popular district, where thousands of locals and tourists were enjoying their evening.

Police superintendent Kirkpatrick revealed that the suspect had managed to bypass the barricades and drive his rented Ford Pick onto Bourbon Street.

It was noted that a barrier system, designed to prevent vehicle attacks, was under repair in anticipation of the Super Bowl in February, as reported by AP.

People who had gathered on the road, which is well-known for its bars and restaurants, remember hearing a loud crash before witnessing numerous individuals who were either dead or unconscious.

Zion Parsons, an 18-year-old from Gulfport, Mississippi, described seeing the truck speeding through the area, throwing people around as if it were a scene from a movie.

He further stated, “There were bodies strewn all along the street, and everyone was screaming and shouting.” (AP)

The truck subsequently collided with a red construction vehicle, resulting in a firefight between Jabbar and the police, which ultimately led to his death. Disturbing videos circulating on social media depicted the aftermath of the incident, with victims strewn on the ground.

Authorities have reported that the attack has claimed the lives of 15 individuals, while approximately 35 others have sustained injuries.

What did law enforcement say about the attack?

The investigation was taken over by the FBI, who later issued a statement confirming the suspect as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old individual from Texas.

Additionally, they discovered an ISIS flag on the vehicle. The FBI is currently working to establish any potential connections or affiliations that the subject may have with terrorist organizations.

The FBI has also verified the presence of weapons and a potential IED in the perpetrator’s vehicle, while additional IEDs were discovered in various areas of the French Quarter.

The agency had earlier mentioned that their expert bomb technicians were collaborating with partners to determine if these devices were functional.

Furthermore, the FBI stated that they do not believe Jabbar acted alone and are currently treating the incident as an act of terrorism.

Who was Shamsud-Din Jabbar?

Jabbar, a military veteran, joined the Army in March 2007 and served in various roles, including human resources and information technology.

He was deployed to Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010 before transitioning to the U.S. Army Reserve in 2015. Jabbar dedicatedly served until July 2020, achieving the rank of staff sergeant.

In a YouTube video uploaded in 2020, he expressed how his experience in the armed forces had instilled in him the importance of providing exceptional service and being diligent in every aspect, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and without any issues.

According to court records, Jabbar found himself in a difficult financial situation in 2022 as he went through a separation from his then-wife.

Jabbar revealed that he was struggling with a $27,000 backlog in house payments and had accumulated $16,000 in credit card debt. It was his priority to expedite the divorce process in order to resolve these financial challenges promptly.

According to court documents, he was earning approximately $10,000 per month while actively engaged in business development and other responsibilities for Deloitte, a consulting firm.

Deloitte acknowledged that Jabbar had been employed with them since 2021, serving in a staff-level position. The company expressed its commitment to cooperating with authorities and providing any necessary support.

How has the New Orleans investigation continued?

Investigators discovered ‘bomb-making supplies’ at the Airbnb rental in St. Roch, New Orleans that Jabbar had rented prior to his alleged mass killing.

Around 5:30 a.m., a fire broke out at the location, prompting a police investigation. The authorities contacted the ATF and evacuated nearby homes as a precautionary measure.

Bomb-sniffing dogs were then deployed to the scene, where they reportedly uncovered bomb-making materials inside the house.

The sudden appearance of law enforcement officials left the locals in shock. According to Bob Koenig, a neighbor, they informed him that bomb-making material had been discovered in the yellow house and that they needed the bomb squad to inspect it.

Who are the New Orleans victims?

Nikyra Dedeaux, 18, had aspired to become a nurse but tragically lost her life. Her friend Zion Parsons described her as a responsible daughter who always looked after everyone.

Dedeaux was employed at a hospital and was on the verge of starting college to pursue her dream of becoming a registered nurse. Parsons emphasized that while she may not have had everything figured out, she had a clear plan in place.

Tiger Bech, a former high school and college football player from Louisiana, tragically lost his life on Wednesday morning at a New Orleans hospital.

The news was confirmed by Kim Broussard, the athletic director at St. Thomas More Catholic High School in Lafayette.

Bech, who attended the high school, showcased his skills as a versatile player, excelling in positions such as wide receiver, quarterback, punt returner, and defensive back, according to NOLA.com.

Nicole Perez, a single mother to a 4-year-old son, tragically lost her life in the incident. Perez, who was in her late 20s, had recently been promoted to the position of manager at Kimmy’s Deli in Metarie, Louisiana.

In a phone interview with AP, deli owner Kimberly Usher expressed that Perez was filled with excitement about her new role.

What happened in Las Vegas?

Mortars for fireworks and canisters of camp fuel were discovered hidden in the rear of the Tesla Cybertruck, which detonated outside the Las Vegas hotel of President-elect Donald Trump in the early hours of Wednesday.

The explosion resulted in the death of a suspect inside the vehicle and prompted a thorough investigation into potential terrorist activities.

According to officials from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police and Clark County Fire Department, there was a fatality inside the distinctive and futuristic pickup truck, while seven individuals in close proximity sustained minor injuries.

Local media outlets have revealed that the suspect has a military background and served at the same base as Shamsud Din Jabbar, the suspect in the New Orleans attack, as reported by Mirror.

What happened in Honolulu?

Two individuals lost their lives and over 20 others sustained injuries during a tragic incident at a New Year’s Eve fireworks display in Hawaii.

The authorities were called to the Salt Lake area of Honolulu in response to a “fireworks-related” incident, which resulted in multiple casualties.

The Emergency Medical Services of the city confirmed that there were two fatalities and 22 people injured, as reported by Hawaii News Now.

The incident took place on Keaka Drive, and authorities are advising residents to stay away from the area.

A video circulating on social media, although not yet confirmed, seems to capture a dramatic fireworks display that went awry, causing a violent explosion just outside a private residence along the road.

What happened in New York City?

Ten people were injured in a mass shooting that took place in the early hours of Thursday morning at the Amazura nightclub in Queens, New York City.

The New York Police confirmed that six individuals were shot inside the nightclub, while at least two more were hit at the nearby Sutphin Blvd and Archer Ave.

In response to the incident, firefighters called for ten ambulances to provide necessary medical assistance to the shooting victims.

Furthermore, the police made a request for additional ambulances and officers to be dispatched to the second floor of Amazura once they confirmed the presence of all six gunshot victims in that area.

Shortly after tallying up the count of eight gunshot victims, the police received confirmation of three more individuals who had been shot and were being treated at Jamaica Hospital. This brought the overall number of victims to a total of 11.

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