In the aftermath of the New Year’s Day terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, FBI agents conducted a high-profile raid at the Houston residence of the suspect, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar.
The attack, which left 15 dead and numerous others injured, has prompted a widespread investigation into potential accomplices and further threats.
Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran from Texas, was identified as the driver of a rented pickup truck that plowed into a crowd of New Year’s revelers in the French Quarter.
The vehicle, reportedly rented via the Turo app, bore an ISIS flag, leading authorities to classify the incident as an act of terrorism. After crashing into the crowd, Jabbar opened fire on responding officers before being fatally shot in the ensuing gunfight.
The attack has left the nation reeling, with investigators working to determine whether Jabbar acted alone or as part of a coordinated effort.
On January 1, FBI agents and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office executed a raid at Jabbar’s residence in north Houston, aiming to uncover evidence linked to the New Orleans attack.
Drone footage from the scene captured a man exiting the property with his hands raised in surrender, though his identity and connection to Jabbar remain unclear.
NEW: Drone footage of the SWAT operation at the Houston home of the New Orleans attacker, capturing individuals being escorted out with their hands raised.
— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) January 1, 2025
pic.twitter.com/Vh1vUDtSrW
Investigators suspect that Jabbar did not act alone. Sources indicate that four to five additional individuals may have been involved in planning and executing the attack. This revelation has heightened concerns about further threats and the possibility of a broader network of accomplices.
The FBI’s Houston field office confirmed “law enforcement activity” in the area near Hugh Road and Crescent Peak Drive. A perimeter was established around the location, with specialized teams including SWAT, Crisis Negotiators, and Special Agent Bomb Technicians deployed. The operation also involved armored vehicles, including The Rook, which was seen heading toward the property.
SWAT teams were observed removing adults and children from a neighboring property, further emphasizing the complexity of the operation.
No arrests have been made, and authorities continue to search the residence for evidence, including potential explosives or communication devices linked to the attack.
The FBI has stressed the ongoing nature of the investigation, urging the public to avoid the area. Temporary flight restrictions were also implemented as part of the operation.
In a statement, the FBI detailed the resources involved in the raid, which included counterterrorism investigators and evidence response teams. “We are grateful for the substantial assistance provided by our partners at the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the Houston Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI),” the agency said.
While no arrests have been made, authorities are meticulously analyzing evidence collected during the raid to determine the extent of Jabbar’s connections and whether further attacks are being planned.
The incident has sparked widespread concern, with many questioning the ease with which Jabbar was able to rent the vehicle used in the attack.
Turo, the car-sharing platform used by Jabbar, has faced scrutiny after a similar incident involving a rented Cybertruck occurred in Las Vegas.