Suspect in deadly New Orleans attack was not ‘solely responsible,’ FBI says

SALT LAKE CITY — After a man rammed a crowd of people in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, killing at least 15 and injuring dozens more, officials deemed the killings a “terrorist attack.” FBI officials said hours later they believe he did not work alone.

The man was identified Wednesday afternoon by the FBI as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, a U.S.-born citizen who resides in Texas.

Assistant special agent in charge of the investigation, Alethea Duncan said the FBI is still working to ensure there is “no further threat,” and trace down any possible leads to reveal any counterparts or further affiliations with terrorist organizations.

“We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible,” Aethea Duncan, FBI assistant special agent in charge, said at a news conference Wednesday afternoon. “We are aggressively running down every lead, including those of his known associates.”

An Islamic State group flag was found with the vehicle he used to ram through the crowd, which appeared to be a rented Ford pickup truck.

Duncan said weapons and potential improvised explosive devices were also located in the suspect’s vehicle. Other IEDs were located in the French Quarter.

“As of now, two IEDs have been found and rendered safe,” Duncan said. “The FBI special agent bomb technicians, as well as our local law enforcement partners, have been working to determine if any of these devices are viable, and they will work to render those devices safe.”

Duncan said the FBI is requesting help from the public and asked for anyone who had contact with Jabbar to contact the FBI. Anyone else with information, photos or videos was encouraged to send via a tip line created specifically for the New Orleans incident.

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This is a developing story. It may be updated.