Moment SWAT Team Confronts Man Outside Houston Home
Dramatic footage captured by a drone shows a man being ordered to raise his hands by a SWAT team outside the Houston residence of Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the suspect behind the New Orleans terror attack that killed 15 people and injured dozens.
The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was confronted by armed officers on Wednesday afternoon. The scene unfolded as the FBI intensified its investigation into the New Year’s Day massacre.
Attack Details
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Texas-born U.S. citizen, drove a rented Ford pick-up truck into a crowd of New Year’s revelers in the French Quarter, killing 15 people. After exiting the vehicle, Jabbar began firing indiscriminately before being fatally shot by police.
Authorities confirmed the truck carried an ISIS flag and contained a chest filled with explosives. Additional improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found at the scene, although the FBI later ruled out several individuals previously suspected of planting them.
Suspect’s Background
Jabbar, who converted to Islam at a young age, served in the U.S. Army as a human resources and IT specialist from 2007 to 2015 and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2009. Military officials disclosed that he held the rank of Staff Sergeant and was awarded several commendations during his service.
Family members expressed shock over the incident. Jabbar’s brother, Abdur, described him as a “sweetheart” and attributed his actions to “radicalization, not religion.”
Presidential Response
President Joe Biden addressed the nation from Camp David, offering condolences to the victims and emphasizing that the attack is being investigated as an act of terrorism inspired by ISIS. He also confirmed the discovery of ISIS-related materials in Jabbar’s vehicle.
The president warned against jumping to conclusions but acknowledged the ongoing probe into potential links between the New Orleans attack and an earlier explosion outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.
“Our nation grieves with you,” Biden said. “We will stand with you as you mourn and heal.”
Ex-Wife’s Restraining Order
Court records revealed that Jabbar’s ex-wife filed a restraining order against him in 2020 during their divorce proceedings. She alleged reckless and intentional harm, leading to legal separation finalized in 2022.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities continue to probe the extent of Jabbar’s affiliations with ISIS and whether he acted alone or with accomplices. The FBI is analyzing evidence from the scene, including explosives and surveillance footage, to determine the full scope of the plot.
