By Okon Ekpenyong

Authorities in the State of Louisiana are investigating the Tragedy that struck New Orleans on New Year’s Eve when a 42-year-old US citizen from Texas drove a rented Ford pickup truck into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street, killing at least 10 and injuring about thirty others.

The suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a former US Soldier, exited the vehicle and fired upon local law enforcement, who returned fire and pronounced him deceased at the scene.

In the shootout, two law enforcement officers were injured and transported to a local hospital. Inside the suspect truck, authorities found an ISIS flag, along with weapons and a potential IED. Further investigation revealed additional potential IEDs in the French Quarter, which the FBI’s exceptional agent bomb technicians are working to render safe.

The FBI is leading the investigation and considering it an act of terrorism and has set up a digital tip line for anyone with information or video of the incident. As a result of the attack, plans for the Sugar Bowl game on New Year’s Day between Georgia and Notre Dame are on hold until tomorrow, with increased security measures and a somber tone honoring the victims.

The FBI does not believe Jabbar acted alone, and the investigation is ongoing. The man fired shots at officers, striking two of them. Most victims appear to be residents of the area and not tourists. Louisiana Senator Kennedy is asking the federal government and FBI to conduct a speedy investigation. Otherwise, he will raise hell.

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