New Orleans residents and workers cautiously resumed activities on Bourbon Street Thursday, a day after a tragic terror attack that killed 14 during New Year’s celebrations. The attack occurred around 3:15 a.m. on Wednesday, when Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 62, from Houston, drove a rented pickup truck through a police barricade and down Bourbon Street, killing 14 people and injuring many others before crashing and dying in a gunfight with police. The FBI confirmed that Jabbar had posted pro-ISIS videos on social media before the incident.
For locals like James Grose, a French Quarter resident for over 40 years, the attack was a stark reminder of the terror that is often only heard about in distant places. “It’s just too close to home,” Grose said, describing the event as a nightmare for the once vibrant, festive street. Sherry Powell, another local, expressed disbelief, stating, “I’m gobsmacked.” Many French Quarter residents had avoided Bourbon Street on New Year’s Eve, leaving the street to thousands of tourists who were also in town for the Sugar Bowl.
Federal officials swiftly closed Bourbon Street for investigation, but by Thursday morning, the area was returned to local control. After Jabbar passed through a roadblock, he raced down 900 feet of Bourbon Street, passing famous landmarks like the Hustler Hollywood strip club, the Hard Rock Cafe, and Galatoire’s steakhouse.
The aftermath of the attack led to deep concern for the future of New Orleans, especially with the Sugar Bowl and Superdome activities in full swing. Local business owners worried about the impact of the attack on tourism and the city’s economy, with Bourbon Street being a critical economic driver.
Despite the tragedy, former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial expressed confidence that the city would recover, citing its resilience throughout history. As of Thursday afternoon, Bourbon Street had reopened to tourists, who were met with heavy police presence, reflecting the ongoing efforts to restore the neighborhood’s sense of safety and normalcy.
