The New Orleans terrorist selected Bourbon Street for maximum destruction: timeline.

On New Orleans' Bourbon Street on Wednesday, a 42-year-old Texas native pledged loyalty to ISIS and drove a pickup truck into a crowd, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 people and injuries to over 30 others.

Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a twice-divorced Army veteran with a history of financial struggles and missed child support payments, was identified as the killer by the FBI.

The news briefing on Thursday, which involved Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, and ATF Special Agent Joshua Jackson, made much of the information publicly available.

"Raia made it clear to reporters on Thursday that the act was terrorism, carefully planned and an evil deed."

The FBI is requesting information from anyone who has information on the attack or Jabbar, or who was on Bourbon Street for New Year's. Tips, including photos and videos, can be submitted online.

Here is a timeline of events:

Monday, Dec. 30, 2024

According to authorities, Jabbar rented a Ford F-150 EV in Houston.

The Turo app was used to obtain the vehicle, which is the same app that authorities claim was used in a separate EV explosion in Las Vegas, Nevada, where a Tesla Cybertruck exploded at the front door of the Trump Hotel.

The FBI has not found a conclusive link between the two attacks, but Raia pointed out that the investigation is still in its early stages. Both Jabbar and the individual responsible for the explosion, Matthew Livelsberger, served in the Army and were deployed to Afghanistan in 2009.

Despite both having been stationed at Fort Liberty, investigators stated that there was no overlap in their assignments at the North Carolina base, which currently houses over 50,000 servicemen and women. Additionally, it was not immediately apparent that they had been deployed in the same region of Afghanistan.

Jabbar explains he originally planned to harm his family and friends, but was concerned the news headlines would not focus on the, quote, ‘war between the believers and the disbelievers.' — Christopher Raia, FBI

Tuesday, Dec. 31

Jabbar drove from Houston to New Orleans – about 350 miles.

He posted five videos about the attack and his motive on Facebook during the journey, Raia stated.

In the first video, Jabbar stated that he altered his plans in an attempt to draw maximum attention to the crime.

Raia said that Jabbar originally intended to harm his family and friends, but was worried that the news headlines would not emphasize the "war between the believers and the disbelievers."

Jabbar's final video was posted at 3:02 a.m.

"Raia stated that he had joined ISIS before this summer and also provided a will and testament."

Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025

According to Raia, Jabbar planted at least two IEDs in the area "roughly a couple hours" before the attack.

At 3:17 a.m., Jabbar drove recklessly around a police car on Bourbon Street and aimed towards a crowd of pedestrians, according to New Orleans police.

At least 14 people were killed in the attack, and Jabbar met his end in a shootout with police after crashing the truck.

More than 30 other people were injured.

Jabbar's truck contained an Islamic State group flag, at least three cellphones, and other devices. He had planted two IEDs concealed in coolers along Bourbon Street, and authorities were able to disarm them safely.

City police stated that the FBI immediately assumed the lead in the investigation.

The FBI identified Jabbar as the suspect and released a photo of him later in the day. Additionally, other photos from the scene show the ISIS flag mounted to the truck's trailer hitch.

Investigators sought to interview individuals present during the attack.

"We are seeking to speak with anyone who was present in the French Quarter on New Year's Eve or early on New Year's Day, including individuals near the two IEDs on Bourbon Street. The IEDs were found inside coolers and it is possible that people stopped and examined the coolers before continuing on their journey."

He said they are not considered suspects "in any way."

According to New Orleans' FOX 8, an Airbnb linked to the attacker caught fire around 5:30 a.m. and investigators discovered bombmaking materials inside. The FBI is reportedly searching a house with a Mandeville address for evidence related to the case.

According to ATF Special Agent Joshua Jackson, our current hypothesis is that the fire occurred after Jabar had already passed away.

He said investigators were still looking into the cause.

Thursday, Jan. 2

Further information about the attacker was disclosed by authorities, and they conducted searches in homes in both Houston and New Orleans.

During a call with congressional representatives, the FBI disclosed that they lacked any intelligence regarding Jabbar prior to the attack.

"According to Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who was on the call with the FBI, the bureau had no knowledge of Jabbar and he was not on their radar. They had no intel about him and he was not someone they were watching. This is concerning because it highlights the potential for sleeper cells in the country."

From March 2007 until July 2020, Jabbar served as an IT specialist in the U.S. Army, having previously been a human resource specialist and IT specialist from March 2007 until 2015.

More recently, he worked for Deloitte, a major international accounting firm.

This report was contributed to by Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Liz Friden, Brooke Curto, Jennifer Griffin, Aishah Hasnie, and Chad Pergram of Planet Chronicle.