The tragic New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, which left 15 dead and many others injured, has left the family of Shamsud-Din Jabbar reeling with disbelief. Jabbar, identified as the suspect in the attack, reportedly drove a pickup truck into a crowded area before investigators found weapons and explosives in his vehicle.
Family in Shock
Jabbar’s younger brother, Abdur, and their father, Rahim, have expressed profound confusion and disbelief over the incident. Speaking to the media, Abdur described Shamsud-Din as “kind, soft-spoken, and slow to anger,” making the violent act seem out of character. “It’s unbelievable that he would be capable of something like this,” Abdur told CNN.
Rahim Jabbar echoed similar sentiments, stating that there were no visible signs of radicalization or personal issues that could explain the attack. “Something screwed him up. He’s not this type of person,” Rahim shared.
A Reconnected Relationship
The brothers had reestablished a close relationship after their father suffered a stroke last year, speaking nearly every day. Despite their renewed bond, Abdur insists their conversations never touched on extremist ideologies or violent tendencies. “He understood what it meant to be a Muslim,” Abdur emphasized. “It wasn’t anything of this nature.”
Allegations of Radicalization
Authorities have reported that Jabbar pledged allegiance to ISIS in Facebook videos posted hours before the attack. Officials also believe that the suspect acted alone. The presence of explosives and additional weapons in Jabbar’s vehicle has heightened concerns about the incident’s premeditated nature.
Abdur expressed shock at seeing his brother identified as the perpetrator. “I was shocked that somebody so close to me could cause all this destruction. I feel for those people over there,” he said, extending his sympathy to the victims and their families.
Investigators Confident in Lone Suspect Theory
New Orleans law enforcement officials have maintained that Jabbar acted alone in planning and executing the attack. Despite the evidence linking him to extremist ideologies, the investigation continues into what may have influenced his actions.
A Community in Mourning
As the city grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, questions remain about how someone described by loved ones as peaceful and kind could commit such an act of violence. The attack has left the French Quarter shaken, with residents and tourists alike mourning the lives lost and praying for the recovery of those injured.
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