Thoughts and prayers have flooded the stars of the New Orleans Saints following the terrorist attack that took place in the city on New Year’s Eve.
A Ford SUV crashed into a crowd of people celebrating the New Year on Bourbon Street around 3:50 a.m. Wednesday, killing 10 people and injuring 35 others.
The horrific tragedy occurred less than a mile from the Caesars Superdome, the home of the NFL team the Saints, which has since been closed for security checks before hosting the Sugar Bowl, which is scheduled for Wednesday night. .
In the wake of the horrific attack, the football franchise, along with its NBA counterpart, the New Orleans Pelicans, expressed their sadness and anguish.
“Our hearts go out to all the victims and their families during this difficult time and we express our deepest gratitude to the first responders who acted quickly and bravely at the scene,” read a statement from the teams.
‘New Orleans is a city built on resilience, and this heartbreaking event reminds us of the importance of coming together to support each other, honor those affected, and work toward healing as a community. “In times of tragedy, the New Orleans community has always shown extraordinary courage and compassion, and we are confident this time will be no different.”
Quarterback Derek Carr leads prayers for New Orleans Saints stars after New York attack
At least 10 people died after a driver plowed into a large group at high speed in New Orleans
Saints stars also took to social media to share their thoughts and prayers for the victims of the heinous attack.
Quarterback Derek Carr led the messages from the NFL ranks when he posted: ‘Praying for New Orleans. I woke up and saw the news this morning.
Veteran Saints defensive end Cam Jordan also reacted to the heartbreaking news.
‘Woke up to text messages about what happened last night on Bourbon Street, God bless you! A pure tragedy, sorry for all those lives that were affected,” Jordan wrote in X.
‘Prayers for the city and everyone affected last night,’ wide receiver Rashid Shaheed also shared, while Saints safety added, ‘Prayers for everyone affected by last night’s tragic events on Bourbon Street!’
Thousands of Notre Dame and Georgia fans had descended on New Orleans for a night of festivities before the start of the College Football Playoff and the city’s historic New Year’s Day Sugar Bowl.
But joy turned to terror in the French Quarter in the early morning hours as the incident unfolded, even though police presence was at “100% capacity.”
The police department had also stated that in addition to a team at full capacity, they had recruited an additional 300 officers from partner agencies to handle the New Year’s Eve and Sugar Bowl festivities.
The Saints and their NBA counterpart, the Pelicans, along with players shared messages online.
The driver crashed into the large group at high speed, then got out and began firing a gun, witnesses said.
Speaking to the media, Commissioner Kirkpatrick said officials will work to ensure security at the Sugar Bowl, and it is anticipated that security will increase as 83,000 fans arrive at the Superdome.
“He was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage he caused,” Kirkpatrick said. ‘It was very intentional behavior. This man was trying to run over as many people as he could.
The unnamed gunman was killed in a shootout with officers after exiting his vehicle and starting shooting, wounding two NOLA police officers who are in stable condition.
Authorities investigating the “mass casualty incident” say the driver displayed “very intentional behavior” after driving into the crowd before getting out and firing a gun.
The FBI has formally confirmed that they are investigating the tragedy “as an act of terrorism” after New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said she had spoken to the White House about what she described as a “terrorist attack.”
Caesars Superdome, home of the Saints, was closed for additional security raids
Law Enforcement Rally at Site of Horrific Bourbon Street Attack
Authorities said an improvised explosive device was found in the area. Around 8:30 a “small explosion” occurred in the neighborhood. It was detonated by the bomb squad, WLWT’s Steven Albritton reported.
Witnesses claim the suspect was “wearing full armor” and “armed with an assault rifle,” and officials said he was “trying to run over as many people as he could.”
Videos circulating on social media showed a chaotic scene at the tourist hotspot as people ran from the victim-filled area as gunshots rang out in the background.
Dozens of police officers responded to what authorities declared a “mass casualty event” and part of the road was cordoned off. Paramedics, ambulances and Forensic Service vehicles also attended the scene.