NEW ORLEANS — The city of New Orleans came together to honor and remember the victims of a devastating incident during a vigil held on Saturday evening. This gathering took place on the iconic Bourbon Street, where a truck attack tragically claimed 14 lives and left many others injured as people were celebrating the new year.
A poignant memorial featuring crosses, photographs, candles, flowers, and stuffed animals was created on the site. Grieving relatives embraced one another in sorrow as the loss of their loved ones struck deep. As a brass band began to play, the atmosphere shifted, transforming the grief into a vibrant celebration of life. Attendees swayed and snapped their fingers in unison, moving down the famed Bourbon Street in a collective display of resilience and unity.
The coroner’s office confirmed that all 14 victims died from “blunt force injuries,” with around 30 people injured in the incident. According to Carolina Giepert, a spokesperson at University Medical Center New Orleans, 13 individuals remain hospitalized, with eight of them in critical condition.
The perpetrator of the attack, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old former U.S. Army soldier, was shot and killed by police during a confrontation at the scene. The event occurred in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter, renowned for its vibrant celebration culture.
Cathy Tenedorio, who lost her son Matthew, 25, during the attack, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she received during the vigil. “This is the most overwhelming response of love, an outpouring of love. I’m floating through it all,” she shared, embodying the spirit of community support.
Autrele Felix, a friend of one of the victims, Nicole Perez, expressed the significance of the community’s unity during their collective mourning. “It means a lot to see that our city comes together when there’s a real tragedy. We all become one,” Felix said as he left a handwritten note at the memorial.
Many attendees felt that the best way to remember the victims was through celebration, echoing that it aligned with how they would have wanted to spend their time. Kari Mitten, a lifelong resident of the city, stated, “Because that’s what they were down here to do, they were having a good time.”
In response to the tragedy, President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit New Orleans alongside First Lady Jill Biden to stand in solidarity with the affected families and communities.
Authorities have been diligently investigating the incident, delving into Jabbar’s intentions and background. The FBI determined that he acted independently. Prior to the attack, he had posted videos online proclaiming support for the Islamic State, marking it as one of the deadliest IS-inspired incidents in the U.S. in recent years and highlighting concerns about the resurgence of global terrorism threats.
Reports stated that Jabbar had reserved the truck used in the assault over six weeks before the tragic event. Additionally, law enforcement uncovered bomb-making materials at his residence in Houston, including tools believed to be utilized for constructing explosive devices. During the investigation, officials discovered explosives in the vicinity of the attack, aimed at inflicting further harm. Fortunately, two improvised explosive devices were safely neutralized, while others were determined to be non-functioning.
Jabbar attempted to set fire to the home he rented in New Orleans, but the blaze extinguished before firefighters arrived. On the day of the attack, he exited his crashed vehicle armed and wearing body armor, engaging in a shootout with police that resulted in injuries to at least two officers before he was ultimately shot dead.
In light of these events, Stella Cziment, who oversees the Independent Police Monitor office, emphasized the importance of thoroughly investigating every aspect of the incident, especially concerning the gunfire exchanges.
Increased security measures have been implemented following the attack. The police have utilized vehicles and barricades to regulate traffic around Bourbon and Canal streets, while collaboration with other law enforcement agencies has been enhanced. The city is preparing for the first Carnival parade leading up to Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl scheduled for February 9.
Authorities have previously installed bollards to limit vehicle access to Bourbon Street; however, those became unusable due to debris accumulation during Mardi Gras. As for the New Year’s Eve event, the bollards were absent but are slated for replacement prior to the upcoming Super Bowl.
Among the victims were a diverse group, including an 18-year-old aspiring nurse, a single mother, a father of two, and a former Princeton University football player. The coroner’s office has identified 13 of the 14 victims, ranging in age from 18 to 63. One of the victims was identified as Edward Pettifer, a 31-year-old British citizen and stepson of a prominent former nanny to British royalty.
During the vigil, family members revealed that Tasha Polk, a nursing assistant and mother in her 40s, was the final victim identified in the tragic attack.
