WXXV News 25 Reporter Jordyn Lassiter a witness to the terrorist attack in New Orleans

A terrorist attack took place on Bourbon Street in New Orleans around 3 am that left 15 people dead and 35 injured. Believe it or not, Jordyn Lassiter witnessed this incident as she was celebrating New Year’s Eve in New Orleans.  

A large white truck sped past a police vehicle, onto the sidewalk, and down Bourbon Street at an extremely high speed hitting several people, until coming to a stop after hitting a construction manlift. Through horrified screams and sounds of crashing metal, she saw the truck strike the man lift before running to take cover. 

The driver then got out of the truck and exchanged fire with three police officers, which she heard as she was running down Conti Street. Lassiter spoke to a witness who says he was very close to the incident and saw close to everything. 

Authorities have identified the suspect as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran from Texas who died during a shootout with police. Jabbar rented the truck from Houston, Texas, before making his way to New Orleans. Inside the truck were an ISIS flag, handgun, ar-style riffle, and explosive devices.

Victims include 18-year-old Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux a graduate of Harrison Central High School. She traveled to New Orleans with her cousin and a friend. 

The FBI is actively investigating the crime scene, focusing on potential explosive devices that may have been planted near the area. investigators also believe that Jabbar was not the sole individual responsible for the attack.