Bodycam footage shows ISIS-inspired attacker firing at police before being killed after New Year's Day rampage that left 14 dead in New Orleans.
The perpetrator who claimed allegiance to ISIS and killed 14 people by driving his truck through crowds during New Year's celebrations in New Orleans exchanged gunfire with law enforcement from his vehicle before officers neutralized him, according to police body camera footage made public Friday.
"The officers eliminated the threat. ... These individuals demonstrated extraordinary heroism," New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick declared during a press briefing.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar had maneuvered his white Ford F-150 around police barricades blocking access to Bourbon Street, the city's renowned entertainment district, before crashing into celebrants at approximately 3:15 a.m. on January 1st, resulting in 14 fatalities and numerous injuries.
Body camera footage from approaching officer Luis Robles shows officer Christian Beyer positioned at the truck's open driver's side door, weapon drawn. Officer Jacobie Jordan was also present on the driver's side with his firearm raised, according to officials.
Beyer announced his presence and commanded Jabbar to exit the vehicle, according to Sgt. Mike Guasco of the Public Integrity Bureau's Force Investigation Team, which examines all officer-involved shootings.
A muzzle flash becomes visible as Jabbar discharges his weapon from behind an airbag at close range. Robles and at least two unidentified officers retreat several steps and take cover on the ground as multiple shots are fired.
Both Beyer and Jordan discharged their weapons, Guasco confirmed. Sgt. Nigel Daggs, positioned by the truck's front passenger door but not visible in the footage, also fired his weapon.
"This exemplifies the scenario-based training our officers receive — they're extensively prepared, and that preparation was evident. These decisions happen in fractions of seconds," Kirkpatrick explained.
Kirkpatrick declined to specify how many rounds Jabbar fired, citing ongoing investigations and pending legal action. However, she emphasized that the officers' actions aligned with protocols and they had been cleared to resume regular duties.
"Law enforcement must constantly evaluate lethal force situations. This incident clearly met legal standards and departmental guidelines," Kirkpatrick stated.
The officers who engaged Jabbar included Daggs, a 21-year department veteran, alongside Beyer and Jordan, both serving nearly two years. Jordan and officer Joseph Rodrigue, a nine-year veteran who held fire, sustained thigh wounds, with Rodrigue also suffering a shoulder fracture. Kirkpatrick wouldn't address whether friendly fire struck any officers or civilians.
According to Kirkpatrick, the involved officers have provided investigators their "mental state and situational awareness" during the incident, though she wouldn't elaborate due to ongoing FBI inquiry. She indicated the officers would not be speaking publicly.
She deflected questions regarding security protocols or officer deployment numbers during the attack. A lawsuit filed Thursday by victims alleges the city and two contractors failed to implement adequate security measures.
"All inquiries will be addressed through the investigative process and findings will be publicly released," Kirkpatrick stated, suggesting additional body camera footage would be shared later.