Governor Jeff Landry has declared a statewide period of mourning to honor the victims of the New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans.
The executive order mandates that flags at state buildings be flown at half-staff on designated days to commemorate the 14 lives tragically lost in the attack. The order will be updated as additional victims are identified to ensure that every individual is remembered.
“Louisiana will never forget the 14 innocent lives lost and the horrific scenes of January 1,” Governor Landry said in a public address. “However, Louisiana and her people will never cower in fear. Instead, we will unite and come back stronger in honor of every person who lost their lives that day.”
The period of mourning reflects the state’s commitment to supporting the victims’ families and standing resilient in the face of tragedy.
The attack, carried out by 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, involved a rented Ford pickup truck driven into a crowd on Bourbon Street and has been linked to inspiration from the Islamic State.
Authorities confirmed that Jabbar acted alone, despite initial concerns about potential accomplices. The FBI is now focusing its investigation on Jabbar’s radicalization. A U.S. Army veteran who had recently held a six-figure job, Jabbar grew up Muslim in Texas and lived in Houston prior to the attack.
“This was a premeditated and evil act of terrorism,” said Christopher Raia, FBI Deputy Assistant Director for the Counterterrorism Division. “We have no evidence at this time to suggest anyone else was involved, but this investigation is still in its early stages.” Raia emphasized that federal resources, including special agents, victim specialists, and professional staff, have been mobilized to support the investigation and assist those affected.
Surveillance images released by the FBI on Thursday showed Jabbar walking along Dauphine Street near Governor Nicholls Street about an hour before the attack. Dressed neatly in a light brown coat, dark shirt, jeans, and dress shoes, Jabbar appeared calm. Additional images revealed coolers he had placed on the street containing improvised explosive devices intended to cause further destruction.
