No Terrorist to Me': Friends and Family Struggle to Reconcile Shamsud-Din Jabbar's Past with New Orleans Attack
In a shocking turn of events, Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran from Texas, has been identified as the perpetrator of a deadly terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day. The attack, which claimed at least 15 lives and injured dozens more, has left family, friends, and former colleagues grappling with a stark contradiction between the man they knew and the horrific act he committed.
A Life of Quiet Discipline Shattered
Jabbar, described by those who knew him as quiet, disciplined, and devout, drove a rented pickup truck into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street around 3:15 AM on January 1, 2025. The incident, which authorities are investigating as an act of terrorism, has sent shockwaves through communities in Texas and beyond. Marilyn Bradford, a 70-year-old former neighbor from Houston, told The New York Times, "He wasn't a terrorist to me. He was always kind, always helpful. When I moved out, he gave me a dryer and a steamer. He was someone you'd call a good man".
From Model Soldier to ISIS Supporter
Jabbar's journey from a respected Army veteran to an alleged ISIS supporter has left many searching for answers. He served in the U.S. Army from March 2007 to January 2015, including a deployment to Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010.
New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the attack, saying, "This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could. He was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did”.
Warning Signs Overlooked
Despite the shocking nature of the attack, those close to Jabbar claim they saw no signs of radicalization. Chris Pousson, a high school friend, told reporters, "He'd post about religion, but it was never extremist or violent. This attack is a complete 180 from the person I knew".
A Series of Personal Setbacks
Records reveal that Jabbar had been married thrice, with his most recent divorce finalized in 2022. During this period, he faced significant financial challenges. In an email to his wife's attorney in January 2022, during his second divorce, Jabbar wrote, "I cannot afford the house payment," highlighting that he was over $27,000 behind and at risk of foreclosure.
The Final Hours: A Chilling Revelation
Hours before the attack, Jabbar posted five videos on Facebook, revealing his intentions and claiming allegiance to ISIS. FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia reported, "We have many questions we are still pondering. What I can confirm is that he was entirely motivated by ISIS. We are reviewing more social media content and conducting interviews, collaborating with partners to uncover more about this connection".
A Community in Shock
The attack has left Jabbar's community in disbelief. Abdur-Rahim Jabbar, his younger brother, told The Associated Press, "I never would have thought it'd be him. It's completely unlike him".
A former high school classmate, Micah Roach, expressed sentiments similar to those of 12NewsNow: "I couldn't believe it when I saw the news. He was presidential before his time—well-spoken, engaging with everyone, and respected by all.".
The Investigation Continues
As authorities delve deeper into Jabbar's background, they are uncovering a complex web of personal struggles and potential radicalization. The FBI recovered a black Islamic State flag from his rented pickup truck and is investigating possible improvised explosive devices found at the scene. President Joe Biden addressed the nation, stating, "The FBI also reported to me that mere hours before the attack, he posted videos on social media indicating that he was inspired by ISIS, especially a desire to kill"”
A Nation Grapples with Tragedy
The New Orleans attack serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism and the challenges in identifying potential risks. As the investigation unfolds, it raises critical questions about the radicalization process and the balance between personal privacy and public safety. Colin Clarke from the Soufan Center, a think tank focusing on foreign policy and global security, cautioned, "There are several warning signs when analyzing this [attack], including the attacker's age – which does not fit the typical profile of someone radicalized. The fact he was [from] the US adds to the caution we should exercise".
As the nation mourns the victims of this tragedy, the story of Shamsud-Din Jabbar serves as a sobering reminder of the complex factors that can lead to radicalization, even in individuals who appear to be well-integrated members of society.