A single suspect is believed to have carried out the deadly New Orleans attack that took place on New Year’s Day, killing 14 victims and injuring dozens more. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed that the perpetrator, 42-year-old U.S. citizen Shamsud-Din Jabbar, acted alone in what authorities describe as a “premeditated and evil act.” Jabbar was shot dead by police at the scene.

Initially, investigators thought multiple people were involved, but evidence now points solely to Jabbar. According to the FBI, he drove a rented pick-up truck into a crowd along a busy street in the city’s French Quarter at around 03:15 local time, before exiting the vehicle and firing a weapon. Two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were discovered nearby, and surveillance footage shows the suspect placing these devices in coolers along Bourbon Street. Police say they have received over 400 tips from the public and continue to sift through hundreds of hours of surveillance footage.

Authorities have pieced together a clearer timeline of events. Jabbar reportedly rented a Ford F-150 in Houston, Texas, on December 30 and drove to New Orleans the next day. Investigators believe he posted multiple social media videos late that night, though the exact content of these videos remains under review.

On Wednesday morning, a fire broke out in a New Orleans Airbnb believed to have been rented by Jabbar, where police suspect he assembled the explosive devices. Officers recovered three phones and two laptops belonging to him, all of which are currently being examined.

Bourbon Street was reopened to the public on Thursday morning, just in time for the much-anticipated Sugar Bowl—a major college football match—after city officials determined there was no imminent threat. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell assured residents and tourists that the city remains ready to host large-scale events.

Separately, the FBI announced that it is investigating whether a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas could be linked to the New Orleans incident, but no definitive connection has been established. Authorities are also exploring whether the Las Vegas event could be terrorism-related, although they have not confirmed the driver’s identity. At this point, both incidents appear unrelated.

The total death toll in New Orleans stands at 15, including the suspect. Among the victims was former Princeton University football star Martin “Tiger” Bech. The Princeton Athletics Department shared a statement expressing profound grief over his passing, recalling his tenacious spirit and camaraderie. Another victim, identified by his cousin on social media, was Matthew Tenedorio, who reportedly died from a gunshot wound.

At least 39 others were injured during the incident; some have been released from the hospital, while more than a dozen remain under care, including several in intensive care units. Police say a long gun with a silencer-like device was recovered at the scene.

Jabbar, who was born in Texas, had previously served in the U.S. Army, worked in real estate, and held positions at major accountancy firms. Court records from his most recent divorce show he faced financial difficulties in recent years. Investigators are continuing to review all evidence, including video footage of the truck veering onto the sidewalk to bypass a police car before striking pedestrians.

New Orleans remains on high alert following the tragedy, while officials vow to uncover the full circumstances behind the attack.