A resident living near an Airbnb in New Orleans has come forward to share alarming details regarding the recent tragic events tied to a man identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar. This man allegedly used a rental pickup truck in an attack that left ten people dead and many more injured on Bourbon Street, a popular area for tourists and locals alike, during the New Year celebrations.
The neighbor, who wishes to be known as Shay, reported that her surveillance camera clearly captured Jabbar’s rented Ford F-150 Lightning leaving the neighborhood just hours before the attack. Shay noted that she first noticed the vehicle around 12:25 a.m. on January 1, when its lights lit up as it prepared to pull away.
“I saw the truck parked outside the house earlier that day,” Shay explained. She stressed that despite the horrific events that transpired, she did not see any indication of what Jabbar intended to do, like the ISIS flag displayed on his truck during the rampage. “There was none of that. I just recognized the Texas plate and the type of car,” she explained.
Shay has made it a point to pay close attention to the comings and goings of her neighbors, especially when there are new faces around. “I know for sure it was his truck,” she told reporters, emphasizing her concern about unfamiliar vehicles in the area.
The aftermath of the attack left much confusion and fear in the neighborhood. Another resident, Larkin McBride, returned home at around 3 a.m. Wednesday to find her block surrounded by emergency responders. She recounted seeing an overwhelming presence of fire trucks, police officers, and bomb squads, creating a scene of chaos during what is typically a festive time of year.
“By the time I woke up, there was a lot of commotion including FBI and bomb squads. They had this area shut down all day,” McBride recounted. She also described an unpleasant odor in the air, which she believed could be related to the attack, possibly the result of burnt plastic, though she mentioned that it might just have been leftover fireworks from the celebrations.
In a worrying development, sources indicate that materials used for bomb-making were discovered within the Airbnb where Jabbar was allegedly staying. A small fire reportedly broke out at the property early Wednesday morning, although officials have yet to determine the cause of that blaze.
This recent incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can arise in unexpected places, even in settings that are meant for enjoyment and celebration. As communities come together to support those affected, there are calls for heightened vigilance and discussions around safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In light of this devastating attack, local authorities are working diligently to piece together the details surrounding Jabbar’s actions and motivations. The focus remains on ensuring that such incidents are thoroughly investigated to enhance public safety and security moving forward.
As we reflect on this tragic event, it is critical for the community to remain unified, demonstrating resilience and support for one another. The healing process will take time, but drawing together in solidarity will undoubtedly foster a stronger neighborhood, determined to reclaim its spirit and prevent the forces of division from taking root.
