Within seconds, celebrations turn to mayhem and tragedy in New Orleans

On New Year's Day, New Orleans was alive with excitement and celebration. The French Quarter, known for its vibrant nightlife, was filled with young people enjoying the festivities. Derrick Albert, a local DJ, noted that the streets were bustling with 19 to 21-year-olds, all eager to welcome the new year. The area was packed with bars, restaurants, and shops, creating a lively atmosphere for both locals and tourists. However, at approximately 3:15 AM, the joyous celebration turned into a scene of horror when a man named Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a rental truck into a crowd of revelers. This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of at least 15 individuals and left many others injured, some critically. CCTV footage captured the moment the attack began, showing the white pick-up truck speeding down Canal Street, swerving around a police car, and crashing into the crowd on Bourbon Street. Kimberly Stricklen, a visitor to New Orleans, described the terrifying moment when she heard the loud rev of the engine followed by a deafening crash. The chaos that ensued was filled with screams and the sound of metal crunching as the truck continued for three blocks, hitting more bystanders before finally coming to a stop after crashing into another vehicle. Jabbar exited the truck and opened fire on the police, who quickly returned fire, killing him. The incident left many in shock, including Steve Hyde, a British visitor who witnessed the chaos from a nearby bar. He expressed his heartbreak over the tragedy, stating his love for the city. Within minutes of the attack, officers from the New Orleans Police Department, who were already present for New Year's celebrations, rushed to the scene and called for urgent assistance. Officers reported multiple casualties and worked diligently to provide aid to the injured while securing the area. Derrick Albert felt fortunate to have avoided the attack, as he had recently received a ticket to move his usual performance spot down the block, which ultimately saved his life. He gestured toward a nearby pharmacy, explaining that he would have been in the path of the truck had he not been forced to relocate. The attack occurred in a busy area filled with bars and restaurants, raising concerns about the effectiveness of security measures in place to protect the public. The FBI later discovered a black flag associated with the Islamic State group inside the vehicle, along with two suspected improvised explosive devices found nearby. Investigators believe that Jabbar may not have acted alone, prompting further scrutiny of the security protocols in place. Many residents and visitors questioned whether more could have been done to prevent such a horrific event. The barriers that had been installed years ago to keep vehicles out of Bourbon Street were in the process of being replaced, leaving gaps that allowed the truck to enter. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick addressed the media, stating that while they had a plan in place, the terrorist was able to circumvent it. Derrick Albert and others felt that given the large crowds for New Year's Eve and the Sugar Bowl football game scheduled for the same day, tighter security measures should have been implemented. A memo from 2017 revealed that city officials were aware of the potential risks of mass casualty attacks using vehicles as weapons, referencing similar incidents that had occurred in other countries. Albert expressed his belief that the city could have taken more precautions to protect its citizens. Nearly 24 hours after the attack, the corner of Canal and Bourbon streets remained an active crime scene, with police cars blocking the area and crime scene tape still in place. However, life in the French Quarter began to return to normal as bars resumed business, catering to football fans in town for the Sugar Bowl. Music filled the air as a live jazz musician played, and curious onlookers gathered to see the crime scene. Despite the tragedy, many, including Derrick Albert, remained optimistic that the city would recover and return to its vibrant self. Albert confidently stated, 'Of course we will bounce back.