New Orleans holds vigil for victims of Bourbon Street terror attack: ‘Outpouring of love’
New Orleans mourned at a vigil Saturday evening on the famous thoroughfare after a man drove a truck into a crowd, killing and injuring revelers early on New Year’s Day.
A temporary memorial of crosses and pictures of the 14 victims killed during the attack are seen with candles, flowers and bears. Relatives fought against each other, some were crying for the loss of their relatives.
A brass band also played as part of what turned out to be a celebration of life as the crowd snapped their fingers, swayed and followed the music down Bourbon Street.
The coroner’s office listed the cause of death for all 14 victims as “unexplained injuries.” About 30 people were injured in the attack. University Medical Center New Orleans said 13 people were hospitalized, including eight in critical condition.
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE NEW ORLEANS SURVIVORS OF THE TERROR ATTACK
Nathan Williams, a student at the University of New Orleans, lights a candle at a memorial on Bourbon Street for the victims of the New Year’s Day truck attack in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP)
The suspect has been identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a former American soldier who declared his support for the Islamic State terrorist group in online videos posted hours before the attack.
Jabbar was shot and killed by police during a gunfight at the scene on Bourbon Street. Authorities say he got out of the wrecked truck wearing a vest and helmet and fired at police, injuring at least two officers before he was shot and killed by police.
The FBI said Jabbar did not assist anyone in the terrorist attack.
Cathy Tenedorio, whose son Matthew, 25, was killed, said she was touched by all the words of condolence and kindness at Saturday’s vigil.
“This is an overreaction of love, an outpouring of love. I’m floating through it all,” he said.
People walk past a memorial on Canal Street for the victims of the New Year’s Day truck attack in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP)
Autrele Felix, 28, left a handwritten card next to a memorial for her friend Nicole Perez, who was killed in the attack.
“It means a lot to see that our city comes together when there is a real disaster,” said Felix. “We all become one.”
Some of the people in the brass band said that the best way to honor the victims is to celebrate and enjoy themselves.
“Because that’s what they were going to do here, they were having fun,” said New Orleans resident Kari Mitten.
President Biden plans to travel to New Orleans with first lady Jill Biden on Monday “to mourn with the families and community members affected by this terrible attack.”
NEW ORLEANS CRIMINAL MAN WITH A BROKEN BOWL SAYS HE’S FEELING ‘LUCKY’: ‘I’M ALIVE’
Friends of Kareem Badawi, the victim of a New Orleans New Year’s Day truck attack, pray at the victims’ memorial after attending his funeral, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP)
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The first parade of the Carnival season leading up to Mardi Gras was scheduled for Monday, and New Orleans will also host the Super Bowl next month.
Police used multiple vehicles and barricades to block traffic on Bourbon and Canal streets after the attack. Other law enforcement agencies helped provide additional security, according to New Orleans police spokesman Reese Harper.
“This enhanced security effort will continue every day, not just at major events,” Harper said in a statement.
The Bourbon Street attack on New Year’s Eve was the deadliest IS-inspired attack on US soil in years.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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