A truly heart-wrenching photograph has emerged following a terrible incident in New Orleans, where a crashed Ford F-150 EV involved in a terror attack left 15 people dead. What makes this image particularly unsettling is the damaged wheelchair found lying by the vehicle, hinting that a disabled individual could be among those tragically affected.
The chilling scene features the wrecked mobility aid, left near the electric truck that wreaked havoc on a serene Wednesday morning along Bourbon Street. Noticeably, the wheelchair’s seat was pushed back, with its arm and leg supports twisted, suggesting the appalling possibility that its user was part of this sorrowful episode.
The individual responsible for this horrific event, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, lost his life during a gunfight with the police. Unfortunately, the authorities have not yet revealed the identities of all those who lost their lives or were injured, though many are believed to be residents rather than visitors.
Witnesses recall that Jabbar, clad in tactical gear, began shooting after ramming his truck into a cherry picker, even injuring two police officers before being fatally shot.
The Ford F-150 Lightning, a remarkably fast truck reaching speeds of 60 mph in under four seconds, was reportedly traveling at nearly 80 mph as it plowed into the crowd of revelers celebrating the New Year.
The scene is under FBI investigation, and reports indicate that the vehicle was traced back to Texas and had crossed into the U.S. from Mexico. This was at the Eagle Pass checkpoint just two days before the attack. Alarmingly, authorities uncovered explosive devices that thankfully didn’t detonate.
Videos circulating show a distinctly ominous black flag attached to a pole on the truck. However, in some footage, the flag appears to be wrapped in a silver covering, leaving it unclear if law enforcement wrapped it for safety or identification reasons.
This chaotic event began around 3:15 a.m. local time when the truck rampaged into the bustling intersection at Bourbon and Canal Streets. Tourists and locals alike were captured on video mid-celebration, suddenly fleeing the scene amidst a terrifying burst of gunfire.
Officers stationed nearby quickly responded, with about a dozen racing through frantic crowds to manage a rapidly escalating situation.
Emergency services rushed to transport injured individuals to five different hospitals in the vicinity, as confirmed by city officials. The FBI has assumed control of the investigation, ensuring no stone goes unturned.
A witness, sharing his story online, described the horrifying sight of the SUV barreling down the crowded street, unrelentingly striking people. Another witness recounted to WLWT how pandemonium unfolded as police opened fire shortly after the vehicle charged into the crowd. “I started running and only escaped by the grace of God,” she shared, capturing the sentiment of many present that night.
Kevin Garcia, just 22 years old, recalled with horror how the vehicle “was slamming into everyone on the left side of the Bourbon sidewalk,” and how gunfire erupted as “a body came flying” in front of him.
Whit Davis, from Shreveport, detailed the aftermath as he left a nightclub, describing the heart-breaking sight of lifeless and injured bodies scattered on a normally vibrant and lively Bourbon Street.
The New Orleans’ disaster readiness agency, NOLA Ready, released an urgent statement detailing the mass casualty incident, urging the public for patience as updates slowly emerged from this tragic event.
This tragedy unfolded as the city wrapped up New Year’s celebrations, mere hours before the anticipated Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Caesars Superdome, a major local event expected to attract thousands.
Governor Jeff Landry publicly denounced the appalling attack and offered thoughts for all affected, extending gratitude to first responders for their brave efforts during this trying time.
In response, the White House has confirmed that President Biden is closely monitoring the situation, maintaining communication with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell to provide necessary federal support. “The FBI is already on hand assisting local efforts, and the President is staying abreast of developments,” read a statement emphasizing federal and local cooperation as they navigate this recent ordeal.
