New Orleans truck attack: Austin police to increase officer visibility

15 killed in New Orleans attack

At least 15 people were killed and dozens more injured overnight in New Orleans. Investigators say a driver plowed a truck into a large crowd on Bourbon Street in what appears to have been a terrorist attack. The FBI believes the suspect did not act alone. FOX's Connor Hansen has the latest.

AUSTIN, Texas - Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis says APD will be "increasing officer visibility" and working with state and federal partners following the deadly attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day.

Chief Davis says there are no known threats to the Austin community at this time, but the department is engaging in "additional proactive measures."

Full statement from Chief Davis

"Following the tragedy that occurred this morning in New Orleans, the Austin Police Department is increasing officer visibility and working closely with our state and federal partners. Although there are no known threats to the Austin community at this time, APD is engaged in additional proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our community and officers.

We are saddened by the loss of life and those injured in New Orleans. We ask our community to remain vigilant. It is imperative to call 9-1-1 should you observe any suspicious activities or become aware of potential threats."

What happened in New Orleans?

A driver wrought carnage on New Orleans' famed French Quarter early on New Year’s Day, ramming a pickup truck into a crowd and killing 15 people before being shot to death by police, authorities said.

More than 30 people were injured in the attack, which the FBI is investigating as an act of terrorism.

The driver was killed in a firefight with police following the attack around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday along Bourbon Street near Canal Street in an area teeming with New Year's revelers, the FBI said.

Authorities say that the driver of the truck that rammed into the crowd in New Orleans drove onto a sidewalk, going around a police car that was positioned to block vehicular traffic and protect Bourbon Street revelers.

A barrier system designed to prevent vehicle attacks was undergoing repairs in preparation for the Super Bowl, which is being played in the city in February.

What we know about the suspect

Law enforcement has identified the driver who killed 10 people and injured dozens in New Orleans as a 42-year-old man, six law enforcement officials tell The Associated Press.

The officials identified the suspect as Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar.

Investigators were working to gather additional information about Jabbar’s background and investigate an unfurled black flag that was with the vehicle, the officials said.

A photo circulated among law enforcement officials showed a bearded Jabbar wearing camouflage next to the truck after he was killed by police.

The FBI said an Islamic State group flag was recovered in the vehicle used by Jabbar. FBI officials also said they also found weapons and a potential IED that were located in the truck. Other potential IEDs were also located in the French Quarter.

A U.S. official said Jabbar got out of the Army in 2015, but it was not clear if he went into the Reserve after that. He served as an information technology specialist, the official said. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide details that had not yet been made public.

According to Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Jabbar is from the Houston area. Patrick says Jabbar rented the pickup truck on Monday and had been driving the rented vehicle in Houston before heading to New Orleans.

What we know about the victims

The University of Georgia confirmed that one of the surviving victims in the deadly crowd crash was a student.

A Mississippi man who was celebrating New Year's Eve in New Orleans said his friend who dreamed of becoming a nurse was among the people killed.

Zion Parsons, 18, said a vehicle suddenly appeared, and he watched it hit his friend, 18-year-old Nikyra Dedeaux.

Another victim from Fort Worth, Texas, was identified as Tiger Bech, a former student-athlete who attended Princeton and graduated in 2021. The victim's brother, Jack, posted a message on X, saying in part: "You inspired me everyday now you get to be with me in every moment. I got this family T, don’t worry."

A 37-year-old father of two from Baton Rouge was among those killed. Reggie Hunter had just left work and was headed with a cousin to celebrate New Years when the attack happened, his first cousin Shirell Jackson told Nola.com.

Hunter was killed and his cousin was injured, Jackson said.

Officials have not yet released the names of the victims, but their families and friends are talking about them.

The Source: Information in this report comes from the Austin Police Department and reporting by FOX News Digital.

Crime and Public Safety Austin Louisiana