NFL issues Super Bowl update in wake of deadly terror attack in New Orleans
The NFL has taken steps to reassure fans that Super Bowl LIX will be a “safe and enjoyable experience” following Wednesday’s terror attack in New Orleans.
The Louisiana city has been left devastated by the fatal attack in the early hours of Wednesday morning, which left 15 people dead and 35 injured after a terrorist drove a vehicle into a large crowd celebrating New Year’s on Bourbon Street.
Driver Shamsud Din Jabbar, who was killed in a subsequent shootout with police, rammed into the group at high speed before getting out and firing a weapon, witnesses said. Investigators also found what appeared to be improvised explosive devices at the crash site that failed to detonate.
The attack in New Orleans comes just under six weeks before the city is set to host this year’s Super Bowl on Feb. 9, which has raised concerns among NFL fans ahead of the 2025 showpiece.
But in a statement about the horrific events that unfolded on Bourbon Street, the league emphasized that Super Bowl LIX will still be a safe event at Caesars Superdome after two years of “comprehensive safety plans” in place.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of the devastating incident in New Orleans,” the NFL said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the victims, the New Orleans community and all those affected.
The NFL has reassured fans that Super Bowl LIX will be a “safe and enjoyable experience.”
New Orleans has been left devastated by a fatal terror attack that left 15 people dead after a terrorist drove a vehicle into a large crowd celebrating New Year’s
“The NFL and the local host committee have worked with local, state and federal agencies over the past two years and have developed comprehensive safety plans. These planning sessions will continue as they do at all major NFL events and we are confident participants will have a safe and enjoyable Super Bowl experience.”
The FBI said the driver of the vehicle was 42-year-old Jabbar, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran from Texas. They are investigating the massacre “as an act of terror” and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell described it as a “terrorist attack.”
An ISIS flag and weapons were found in the vehicle, as the FBI continues to assess Jabbar’s connection to the terror group.
According to the state police bulletin, firearms and pipe bombs were found in the suspect’s vehicle.
The devices were hidden in coolers and wired for remote detonation with a remote control that was also found in the vehicle, the bulletin said.
Among the 15 fatalities was former college football player Tiger Bech, 28, who was rushed to a local hospital after being struck by the vehicle before being kept on a life support machine until his family arrived.
Tributes have poured in for the ex-Princeton wide receiver, including from his younger brother Jack – a standout wide receiver for Texas Christian University.
Jack, 22, quoted a post on You inspired me every day, now you can be with me every moment.
“I have this family T, don’t worry. This is for us’.