Alleged Terrorist’s Background Revealed
Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, the 42-year-old suspect in the fatal hit-and-run that killed 15 people in New Orleans, has been identified by the FBI. Jabbar’s background reveals a complex individual with a history of military service, financial struggles, and a recent conversion to Islam.
Early Life and Career
Jabbar was born in Beaumont, Texas, and worked as a computer scientist and real estate agent. He served in the United States Army for about five years, including a deployment to Afghanistan, and was discharged in 2020 with the rank of sergeant major. Jabbar’s high school classmates and acquaintances described him as quiet, reserved, and intelligent, with no history of violence.
Personal Life and Financial Struggles
Jabbar was married twice and had three children. He divorced his first wife, Nakedra Charrlle Marsh, in 2012, and had difficulty adjusting to civilian life after leaving active military service. Jabbar’s second marriage also ended in separation. He had been struggling financially, with credit card debt and a threat of foreclosure on his home.
Conversion to Islam and Radicalization
Jabbar converted to Islam and lived in a predominantly Muslim neighborhood in north Houston. He actively posted content related to his faith on social media, although there were no known posts of an extremist nature until shortly before the attack. A senior police official said Jabbar had posted videos on Facebook pledging allegiance to the Islamic State shortly before the attack.
Behavioral Changes and Online Activities
Jabbar’s behavior had changed in recent months, including erratic episodes such as cutting his hair abruptly and showing isolated attitudes. On social media, Jabbar showed interest in cryptocurrencies, real estate, and firearms. In a since-deleted Twitter post, he mentioned a “Saturday morning of shootings.” He was also trying to sell guns on an online classifieds site weeks before the attack.
Family and Community Reaction
Jabbar’s younger brother, Abdur Jabbar, said that Shamsud-Din was a practicing Muslim but considered his act to be a result of radicalization, not religion. A neighbor described him as someone helpful, kind, and socially marginalized. Dwayne Marsh, who is married to Jabbar’s ex-wife, said Jabbar had been acting erratically in recent months, “like a crazy man, cutting his hair” after converting to Islam.