Podcast Summary: "Terror in New Orleans" - The Daily
Episode Overview
In the January 3, 2025 episode of The Daily by The New York Times, hosts Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise delve into the harrowing terrorist attack that unfolded in downtown New Orleans on New Year's Eve. Titled "Terror in New Orleans," the episode provides an in-depth analysis of the events, the perpetrator’s background, the investigation's progress, and the impact on the victims and the community.
1. The Attack: A Night of Revelry Turned Tragedy
The episode opens with a vivid recounting of the attack in the French Quarter, specifically Bourbon Street, one of New Orleans' most iconic and bustling areas during celebrations. Susan Lee, a researcher and fact-checker with The Daily, sets the scene:
"[...] a New Year's Eve in New Orleans. It's a place where thousands of people come every year to celebrate the New Year, to drink all night, to be with their friends, to stay out late, to roam around the streets and go from bar to bar." [00:04]
At approximately 3:15 AM, the festive atmosphere is shattered when a white pickup truck breaches security barriers—likely due to renovations altering the usual barricade setup—and speeds down Bourbon Street. The truck, driven by Shamsuddin Bahar Jabbar, plows through the crowd, resulting in chaos and devastation:
"Thousands of people that got hit by this car... bodies littered throughout the entire street." [03:00]
The immediate aftermath saw 14 fatalities and 35 injuries, with survivors recounting the sheer panic and confusion as the attack unfolded.
2. The Perpetrator: Shamsuddin Bahar Jabbar’s Transformation
The heart of the episode focuses on deciphering how a U.S. Army veteran transitioned into committing an act of terrorism. Mike Baker, a national reporter, unpacks Jabbar's background:
"Jabbar grows up in Texas. He's raised a Christian at some point, converts to Islam. He goes off to the arm, he deploys to Afghanistan as part of the War on Terror." [11:29]
Jabbar's military service included earning a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, highlighting his role in protecting American interests abroad. Post-military life saw him obtaining a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems and securing a six-figure position at Deloitte, painting the picture of a successful and stable individual.
However, underlying struggles emerged. Jabbar endured two divorces and significant financial hardships, including a dire situation threatening foreclosure:
"I cannot afford the house payment, describing past due payments, over $27,000, danger of foreclosure." [14:09]
These personal challenges coincided with a noticeable shift in his behavior, becoming more erratic and fervent in his religious beliefs, as reported by family members:
"They felt like his behavior was becoming more unpredictable and a little bit frightening and suggested it had something to do with his religious beliefs growing more fervent." [15:01]
In the critical hours before the attack, Jabbar posted five videos on Facebook, pledging allegiance to ISIS and outlining his intentions:
"He posted five videos. And in one of them, he describes how he joined ISIS before last summer... he provided what the FBI described as a will and testament." [15:28]
3. Investigation: Lone Actor or Part of a Larger Plot?
Initial confusion arose when a second incident involving a Tesla Cybertruck exploded in Las Vegas on the same New Year's Day, leading to speculation about a coordinated attack:
"People were coming up with all kinds of theories about whether this was an attack that had been planned, that people had coordinated in choosing a certain rental service or doing this or that." [07:05]
Authorities, however, clarified that Jabbar acted alone, with no substantial evidence linking him directly to ISIS operatives:
"We do not assess at this point that anyone else is involved in this attack except for Shamsa Din Jabbar, the subject." [07:58]
Further investigations revealed that the nearby explosive devices were likely planted by bystanders without knowledge of their contents, debunking initial fears of a broader conspiracy.
The FBI’s extensive efforts included recovering three phones linked to Jabbar, scrutinizing two computers, and urging anyone who had interacted with him recently to come forward. Despite these efforts, questions remain about Jabbar’s pathway to radicalization, with no direct connections to ISIS operatives uncovered to date.
4. Profiles of the Victims: Lives Cut Short
The episode pays tribute to the victims, humanizing the tragedy through personal stories. Christina Morales shares the poignant account of Nicaira Cheyenne Didot, an 18-year-old from Gulfport, Mississippi:
"Her grandmother had 17 grandchildren. This is the first time she's lost a grandchild." [20:20]
Nicaira, affectionately known as "Biscuit" by her family, was preparing to embark on a nursing career, following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother. Her unexpected presence on Bourbon Street was a shock to her family, who had no knowledge of her plans to celebrate New Year's in New Orleans:
"If they had known that she was planning on it, that they would have convinced her otherwise." [21:59]
5. Security Lapses: Ignored Warnings and Vulnerabilities
A critical revelation discussed in the episode is the 2019 security assessment that cautioned New Orleans officials about Bourbon Street's vulnerability to vehicular attacks. The assessment highlighted that existing preventive measures were insufficient, a fact that now underscores the tragic failure to avert the catastrophe.
6. Conclusion: A Community in Mourning and Seeking Answers
The episode concludes by reflecting on the profound impact of the attack on the New Orleans community and the broader implications for urban security. The juxtaposition of a night filled with celebration turned into chaos serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present threats of terrorism and the importance of vigilant, adaptive security measures.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- "A New Year's Eve in New Orleans. It's a place where thousands of people come every year to celebrate..." — Susan Lee [00:04]
- "Thousands of people that got hit by this car... bodies littered throughout the entire street." — Michael Barbaro [03:00]
- "Jabbar grows up in Texas. He's raised a Christian at some point, converts to Islam..." — Mike Baker [11:29]
- "They felt like his behavior was becoming more unpredictable and a little bit frightening..." — Mike Baker [15:01]
- "We do not assess at this point that anyone else is involved in this attack except for Shamsa Din Jabbar, the subject." — Michael Barbaro [07:58]
- "If they had known that she was planning on it, that they would have convinced her otherwise." — Christina Morales [21:59]
Closing Thoughts
"Terror in New Orleans" encapsulates a tragic event that not only took numerous lives but also shattered the sense of security in a beloved cultural hub. Through meticulous reporting and heartfelt narratives, The Daily offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding the attack, the man behind it, and the community's resilience in the face of unimaginable loss.