Notre Dame fans urged to pray after deadly terror attack
- A pickup truck drove into a crowd on Bourbon Street, causing 10 fatalities and at least 35 injuries.
- The incident, classified as an act of terror, led to the postponement of the Sugar Bowl for safety concerns.
- Authorities are investigating, and local officials emphasize the importance of community support and safety.
A tragic incident occurred in the early hours of New Year's Day in New Orleans, Louisiana, when a pickup truck was intentionally driven into a large crowd on Bourbon Street around 3:15 a.m. This horrific event resulted in the deaths of at least 10 individuals, while over 35 others sustained injuries and required hospital treatment. The attack was characterized by chaos, as the driver of the truck, identified as Shamsud Din Jabbar, exited the vehicle and began firing at police, which led to his death in a subsequent confrontation. Authorities described the actions of Jabbar as an attempted massacre targeting revelers celebrating the new year. Following this tragic episode, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick held a press conference to address safety concerns regarding upcoming events in the city, particularly the Sugar Bowl scheduled to occur that evening. She assured the public that police officers would work on site to ensure the safety of fans attending the event. The Sugar Bowl Committee, along with the University of Notre Dame and the University of Georgia, expressed their devastation regarding the tragedy, extending condolences to the victims' families. As a precautionary measure, the Sugar Bowl matchup between Notre Dame and Georgia was postponed for 24 hours due to the need for improved security following the attack. The decision was made in coordination with local authorities, emphasizing that public safety remained a priority for all involved parties. Notre Dame urged fans to remain vigilant and join in prayer for those affected by the violence while also canceling scheduled events in the immediate vicinity of Bourbon Street. Responses from the community reflected a deep sorrow over the event. Local leaders, including New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, described the dire situation as likely being classified as a terrorist attack, prompting investigations by the FBI. Officials from both universities attended to the immediate aftermath and began gathering information regarding the potential involvement of their students or alumni in the attack. The situation left many in the city grappling with the shocking realities and the need to navigate public safety during significant events.