What You Need to Know About Shamsud-Din Jabbar
What You Need to Know About Shamsud-Din Jabbar
Background Information:
Full Name: Shamsud-Din Jabbar
Age: 42
Hometown: Beaumont, Texas
Education: Graduated from Beaumont Central High School in 2001.
Military Service: A decorated U.S. Army veteran, Jabbar served in the military for several years, including time in the reserves until his honorable discharge in 2020. Occupation: Jabbar worked for several prestigious companies, including Deloitte, Accenture, and Ernst & Young, specializing in cloud computing. He was reportedly earning $125,000 annually in 2022 while employed at Deloitte.
Personal Life and Struggles:
Jabbar was married three times:
- Nakedra Charrlle Jabbar – His first wife, with whom he had two daughters. They divorced in 2012, and Jabbar was ordered to pay significant child support.
- Tiera Symone Jabbar – His second wife, whom he married in 2013. They filed for divorce in 2016, citing irreconcilable differences.
- Shaneen Chantil Jabbar – His third wife, whom he married in 2017. They had one son together, but their relationship became tumultuous, and Jabbar filed for divorce in 2020, although the filing was later dismissed.
Family Relations: Jabbar's family, particularly his close friends and associates, have expressed shock at his actions. Many described him as humble and respectful, with a strong sense of discipline and respect for authority, especially his connections to Islamic principles. Despite his troubled financial situation and personal turmoil, Jabbar’s family and friends, including long-time family friend Fahmee Al-Uqdah, stated that they did not believe Jabbar would be capable of such an act.
The Attack in New Orleans:
Date of Attack: January 1, 2025
Location: Bourbon Street, New Orleans
Details: Jabbar drove a pickup truck into a crowd of people in the French Quarter during New Year's celebrations, killing at least 15 people and injuring 35 others
The attack was carried out around 3:15 a.m., and the truck was reportedly decorated with an ISIS flag. Jabbar was shot and killed by police officers after exiting the truck and opening fire.
Motivation:
Terrorism Connection: Jabbar reportedly posted disturbing videos on social media, pledging allegiance to ISIS shortly before carrying out the attack. The FBI believes he acted alone, though he was not previously on any terrorism watchlist.
Initial Plans: Jabbar initially intended to murder his family and friends but changed his mind, stating that the media coverage of the event would detract from his desired focus on "the war between believers and disbelievers."
Influences: The Islamic Society of Triplex in Beaumont condemned Jabbar’s actions, reaffirming that they do not support violence against innocent lives. Despite some narrative points about his ties to extremism, some close associates have questioned the plausibility of his radicalization, given his personal history.
Public Reaction and Community Impact:
Community Shock: People who knew Jabbar in his youth, including former classmates from Beaumont Central High School, were deeply shocked by the attack. Many described him as well-liked, well-spoken, and a promising individual, uncharacteristic of someone capable of such violence.
Statements from Family Friends: Fahmee Al-Uqdah, a family friend who served in the military, expressed disbelief at Jabbar’s actions, emphasizing the importance of discipline and respect in the Islamic faith, which he feels Jabbar violated through his horrific actions.