New Orleans mourns victims of Bourbon Street terror attack: ‘Outpouring of love’

The people in it New Orleans There was mourning after a man drove a pickup truck into crowds on a popular avenue in the early hours of Saturday evening, killing and injuring revelers.

A makeshift memorial of crosses and pictures of the 14 victims of the attack, seen with candles, flowers and teddy bears. Relatives of the victims held each other, some cried because of the loss of their loved ones.

A brass band 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 called the cause of death of all 14 victims “blunt force injuries.” Another 30 people were injured as a result of the attack. The University of New Orleans Medical Center said 13 people remained hospitalized, eight in intensive care.

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT NEW ORLEANS TERROR SURVIVORS

Nathan Williams, a student at the University of New Orleans, lights a candle at the Bourbon Street memorial for the victims of the deadly truck attack in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP)

The suspect has been identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a former US soldier who announced his support for the Islamic State militant group in videos posted online a few hours before the attack.

Jabbar was shot and killed by police during a shootout at the scene of the accident on Bourbon Street. Authorities say he got out of the crashed truck wearing a ballistic vest and helmet and opened fire on police, injuring at least two officers before being shot and killed by officers.

The FBI said no one else helped Jabbar terrorist attack.

Cathy Tenedorio, whose 25-year-old son Matthew was killed, said Saturday she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of sympathy and kindness.

“It’s the greatest response to love, an outpouring of love. I go through all of that,” she said.

People walk past a memorial on Canal Street for the victims of a deadly truck attack in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, on New Year’s Day. (AP)

Autrele Felix, 28, left a handwritten card next to a memorial to her friend Nicole Perez, who was killed in the attack.

“It means a lot to see our city come together in a time of real tragedy,” Felix said. “We all become one.”

Others gathered around the mass orchestra said the best way to honor the victims was with fun and entertainment.

“Because that’s what they came down here to do, they were having a good time,” New Orleans resident Kari Mitten said.

President Biden plans to travel to New Orleans with first lady Jill Biden on Monday to “griev with the families and community members affected by the tragic attack.”

NEW ORLEANS TERROR ATTACK VICTIM SAYS HE FEELS HAPPY: ‘HAPPY’

Friends of Kareem Badawi, victim of the deadly New Year’s Day truck attack in New Orleans, take a moment to pray for the victims 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 spokeswoman Reese Harper.

“These enhanced security efforts will continue every day, not just during major events,” Harper said.

The Assault on Bourbon Street New Year’s was the deadliest attack by IS on US soil in recent years.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.