WHAT IS THE SUSPECT’S IDENTITY?
The FBI identified the suspect as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a US Army veteran who was honourably discharged.
He served more than 10 years in the military as a human resource specialist and an IT specialist, according to the Pentagon, which said Jabbar deployed to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010.
Jabbar held a degree in computing from Georgia State University and lived in Houston, Texas, where he had worked as a real estate agent.
The FBI said it believes the suspect may have had accomplices, but gave few additional details.
WHERE DID THE ATTACK TAKE PLACE?
The car-ramming took place in the heart of the French Quarter, a historic district known for its vibrant nightlife with many bars, restaurants and jazz venues.
The French Quarter and New Orleans in general are well known for the raucous pre-Lenten street party known as Mardi Gras.
The city was also hosting tens of thousands of people who came to see a major college football game called the Sugar Bowl, which has now been postponed by 24 hours.
New Orleans is also scheduled to host the Super Bowl on Feb 9.
