New Orleans Saints stars pay tribute to victims of NYE terror attack that left 10 dead
Thoughts and prayers have poured in from the New Orleans Saints stars following the terrorist attack that took place in the city on New Year’s Eve.
A Ford SUV was plowed into a crowd of people celebrating New Year on Bourbon Street around 3.50am on Wednesday, killing 10 people and injuring another 35.
The horrific tragedy occurred less than a mile from Caesars Superdome – home of the NFL team the Saints – which has since been closed for security checks ahead of hosting the Sugar Bowl, scheduled for Wednesday evening.
In the wake of the horrific attack, the football franchise, along with its NBA counterpart, the New Orleans Pelicans, expressed sadness and heartbreak.
“Our hearts go out to all the victims and their families at this difficult time and we express our deepest gratitude to the first responders who acted quickly and courageously on the scene,” said a statement from the teams.
“New Orleans is a city built on resilience, and this heartbreaking event reminds us of the importance of coming together to support each other, honor those affected, and work toward healing as a community. In times of tragedy, the New Orleans community has always shown extraordinary courage and compassion, and we are confident this time will be no different.”
Quarterback Derek Carr led the prayers of New Orleans Saints stars after the NYE attack
At least ten people were killed after a driver rammed into the large group at high speed in New Orleans
The Saints stars also took to social media to share their thoughts and prayers for the victims of the horrific attack.
Quarterback Derek Carr led the messages from within the ranks of the NFL when he posted, “Praying for New Orleans. I woke up and saw the news this morning.”
Longtime Saints defensive end Cam Jordan also reacted to the heartbreaking news.
“Woke up to texts about what happened on Bourbon Street last night, God bless! A pure tragedy, sorry for all those lives affected by this,” Jordan wrote on X.
“Praying for the city and all those affected last night,” wide receiver Rashid Shaheed also shared, while Saints Safety added: “Praying for all those affected by last night’s tragic events on Bourbon Street!”
Thousands of Notre Dame and Georgia fans had arrived in New Orleans for a night of festivities ahead of the start of the College Football Playoffs and the city’s historic Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day.
But joy turned to terror in the French Quarter in the early hours of the morning as the incident unfolded, despite police presence being at ‘100% capacity’.
Police had also claimed that in addition to a full-capacity team, they had deployed an additional 300 officers from partner agencies to handle the New Year’s Eve and Sugar Bowl festivities.
The Saints and their NBA counterpart, the Pelicans, shared messages online with players
The driver rammed into the large group at high speed, then got out and started shooting a weapon, witnesses said.
Speaking to the media, Commissioner Kirkpatrick said officers will work to ensure safety at the Sugar Bowl, and security is expected to be increased as 83,000 fans come to the Superdome.
“He was determined to cause the carnage and damage he caused,” Kirkpatrick said. ‘It was very deliberate behaviour. This man tried to run over as many people as possible.’
The unnamed gunman was killed during a shootout with officers after he exited his vehicle and began shooting, wounding two NOLA police officers who are in stable condition.
Authorities investigating the ‘mass casualty incident’ say the driver exhibited ‘highly deliberate behaviour’ after driving into crowds of people before they got out and fired a weapon.
The FBI formally confirmed it is investigating the tragedy “as an act of terror” after New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said she had spoken to the White House about what she described as a “terrorist attack.”
Caesars Superdome – home of the Saints – was closed for additional security checks
Law enforcement officers gather at the scene of the horrific attack on Bourbon Street
Officials said an improvised explosive device was found in the area. Around 8:30 a.m. a ‘small explosion’ took place in the neighborhood. It was detonated by the bomb squad, WLWT’s Steven Albritton reported.
Witnesses claim the suspect was “wearing full body armor” and “armed with an assault rifle,” and officials said he was “trying to run over as many people as possible.”
Videos circulating on social media showed a chaotic scene in the tourist hotspot as people ran from the victim-strewn area as bullets rang out in the background.
Dozens of police officers responded to what authorities called a “mass casualty event” and part of the road was cordoned off. Paramedics, ambulances and vehicles from the coroner’s office were also seen at the scene.