New Orleans Saints donate $1 million to Bourbon Street terror attack victims
- A truck ramming attack on January 1, 2025, resulted in 14 deaths and more than 35 injuries in New Orleans.
- The New Orleans Saints and NFL will donate $1 million to support the victims and their families through local charities.
- This act reflects a community united against violence, with plans for further support from officials.
On January 1, 2025, a devastating truck ramming attack occurred in New Orleans, Louisiana, during New Year's celebrations, resulting in the tragic deaths of 14 individuals and leaving more than 35 injured. The perpetrator, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, drove a pickup truck into a crowded area in the French Quarter before dying in a standoff with police. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has classified this incident as an act of terrorism, noting that Jabbar displayed an ISIS flag on his vehicle and had previously posted concerning videos on social media. In response to this horrific event, the New Orleans Saints, under the ownership of Gayle Benson, and the National Football League (NFL) pledged a combined total of $1 million to aid the victims and their families. This donation is split into contributions from both the Saints and the NFL Foundation, each providing $500,000. Their aim is to support local organizations that offer assistance to those affected by the attack. The Saints have partnered with the Greater New Orleans Foundation and the nonprofit United Way to ensure funds are effectively distributed to help victims' families recover from their losses. This effort highlights the NFL's commitment to the New Orleans community and serves as a unified response against violence and hatred. In the wake of this tragedy, community members gathered for a vigil along Bourbon Street, where they honored the lives lost and started to come together in the face of adversity. President Biden also plans to visit New Orleans to express solidarity with the affected families and community, demonstrating national support for those impacted by this brutal act of terrorism.