Who is the Owner of the Ford F-150 Lightning Used in the New Orleans Terror Attack?

Who was Shamsud Jabbar, the Suspect Terrorist in New Orleans Attack The suspect in the deadly terrorist attack in New Orleans has been identified as Shamsud Din Jabbar, a US citizen and Texas resident. He has ...

Rodrigo Diaz is a private vehicle owner who rented out the truck on the car-sharing platform Turo. Diaz, whose Ford F-150 Lightning was turned into a deadly weapon, has denied any involvement in the incident and is cooperating fully with investigators.

Through Turo, a peer-to-peer online marketplace that lets users rent cars from other users, the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning was rented.

Owner of Ford F-150 Lightning, that used in ramming attack rented off Turo

Rodrigo Diaz: An Innocent Owner

According to ABC News, Rodrigo Diaz, the registered owner of the truck, had no knowledge of the attack. Speaking briefly with the outlet, Diaz confirmed that he had rented out the vehicle prior to the incident. His wife, Dora Diaz, expressed the family’s shock and grief over the attack.

“My husband rents cars through the Turo app. I can’t tell you anything else. I’m here with my kids, and this is devastating,” Dora said, holding back tears. The Diaz family emphasized that the truck was a part of Rodrigo’s side hustle and was rented out in good faith.

How the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Came to New Orleans

Investigators revealed that the Ford F-150 Lightning entered the United States from Mexico through Eagle Pass, Texas, just two days before the attack.

Authorities are working to determine whether this movement is linked to the attacker, Shamsud Din Jabbar, or if others were involved in facilitating the vehicle’s use in the terror plot.

The electric truck was purchased from Mac Haik Ford Pasadena in Pasadena, Texas, for $70,303 in August.

It had not been in any accidents until last night, according to records.

Jabbar, a Texas resident with a history of military service and a criminal record, allegedly rented the vehicle under a false identity or through intermediaries, police sources suggested. The FBI is scrutinizing records from Turo to understand how Jabbar acquired the truck.

Video shows moment terrorist rammed past Bourbon Street barricade:

ISIS Flag on Truck

The FBI has taken the lead in investigating the devastating New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans, treating it as a potential act of terrorism.

"An ISIS flag was discovered in the vehicle," the FBI stated. "We are working to determine the subject's possible affiliations with terrorist organizations. Weapons and a potential improvised explosive device (IED) were found in the vehicle, and additional potential IEDs were located in the French Quarter."

Authorities recovered a Glock handgun and a .308 caliber rifle outfitted with advanced optics and a sensor from the scene. A high-level local source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed these details but noted they were not authorized to discuss the case publicly.

The attack aligns with recent propaganda from pro-ISIS media outlets, which had urged Muslims in the U.S. and Europe to carry out violent acts during the holiday season, including New Year’s Eve. Such calls to arms have been a recurring strategy for terror organizations aiming to inspire extremists during high-profile public gatherings.

As the investigation unfolds, federal agents are working to establish whether the suspect acted alone or as part of a coordinated effort, emphasizing the ongoing threat of lone-wolf terrorism inspired by extremist ideologies.

Turo Under Investigation

The car-sharing platform Turo, often compared to Airbnb for vehicles, has become a focal point in the investigation. Federal authorities are working with the company to trace the transaction and determine whether sufficient verification procedures were followed.

A spokesperson for Turo released a statement expressing condolences to the victims and pledging full cooperation with law enforcement. “Our hearts go out to those affected by this horrific tragedy. We are working closely with investigators to provide all relevant information about the rental,” the statement read.

This incident has raised questions about the safety measures in place for peer-to-peer vehicle rentals, including how vehicles are tracked and how renters are vetted.

Devastation and Fallout

The Diaz family has found themselves at the center of a national tragedy. While they had no involvement in the attack, the use of their truck as a weapon has left them shaken. “This is every family’s nightmare,” a neighbor told reporters. “They’re honest, hardworking people, and now they’re dragged into something they couldn’t have seen coming.”

The attack has also sparked debates about the regulation of platforms like Turo. Legal experts suggest that car-sharing companies may face pressure to enhance identity verification and implement additional safeguards to prevent misuse.

The Investigation Continues

A 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning EV. A vehicle of this model was used to plow into a crowd celebrating New Year's Eve in the French Quarter of New Orleans

As federal and local authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the attack, they are focused on uncovering whether Jabbar acted alone or had support. The truck’s recent entry from Mexico has raised suspicions about potential links to international terror networks. Forensic teams are examining the vehicle for further evidence, including whether the improvised explosive devices found at the scene were already inside the truck when Jabbar acquired it.

Meanwhile, Rodrigo Diaz remains under scrutiny, not as a suspect, but as someone who may inadvertently hold key information. Investigators are working to verify his rental records and track the truck’s movements from the moment it was rented until the attack.

A Community in Shock

The use of a rented vehicle in such a heinous act has highlighted vulnerabilities in modern peer-to-peer services, leaving both the Diaz family and the community grappling with the fallout. “We trusted people who rented the truck. It’s just business for us, nothing more,” a close friend of the family said. “Now this business has turned into a nightmare.”

As the investigation progresses, one thing is clear: the attack on Bourbon Street has left a permanent scar on New Orleans. And for Rodrigo Diaz, his family, and countless others, the tragedy is a stark reminder of how ordinary lives can be upended in extraordinary ways.

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