In the wake of a man plowing a truck into New Year’s Eve revelers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing dozens, New Orleans & Company President and CEO Walt Leger III vowed that the community’s spirit “will not be deterred by this horrific act.”

The fatal incident in the early morning hours of Jan. 1, 2025 is being called a terrorist attack and prompted the delay of the Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff between Georgia and Notre Dame at Caesars Superdome by a day. 

Leger’s statement continued: “New Orleans & Company sends its deepest condolences to the loved ones and victims of the terrorist attack in our city in the early morning of New Year’s Day. It is heartbreaking to learn the names, see the photos and hear the stories of the victims. Let us be clear: Millions of visitors are drawn to New Orleans–and hundreds of thousands of us chose to live and work here–because of our welcoming people and our beautiful culture. New Orleans is uniquely Built to Host major events, meetings, and conventions, because of our world class venues, culture and walkability.”

“New Orleans shines brightly and is a unique light in the minds and imaginations of those around the country and the world.  That light will not be dimmed by a single evil act,” he concluded.

The Latest Updates from the FBI press briefing on the morning of January 2 (live updates available here):

  • Bourbon Street will re-open at 2:30 p.m. today.
  • The Allstate Sugar Bowl is being played today at 3:00 p.m. and will be televised nationally on ESPN.
  • The FBI indicated that the attacker acted alone. That person was killed by police on the scene. FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia said, “we do not believe the public is in danger.”
  • Mayor Cantrell said the city is prepared for game day and large events. 

Read More: Safety and Security Tips

How to Help

  1. Provide the FBI with Tips: We encourage anyone who has information, photos or videos that may be helpful to the investigation, to please share it with the FBI at 1-800-callFBI or fbi.gov/bourbonstreetattack
  2. Give Blood: New Orleans EMS is partnering with The Blood Center to host a pair of emergency blood drives on Thursday, January 2 and Friday January 3 from 10 am – 5 pm at 2609 Canal Street. Other Blood Center locations in the region are also open with extended hours, which can be found here.
  3. Donate to Help the Survivors and Victims
    • The Greater New Orleans Foundation has set up a fund to assist victims and survivors. To donate, please visit gnof.org.
    • The United Way of Southeast Louisiana has set up the New Orleans Relief Fund to provide direct support to victims and their families. Donations will help cover medical expenses, funeral costs, trauma counseling, and more. To donate, please visit unitedwaysela.org/UnitedforNOLA
  4. Come Visit: “Even as we mourn, we are planning our rise. If you have a scheduled trip to New Orleans, or are attending an event, meeting or convention here, we encourage you to keep your plans. If you want to support our community, please plan a trip. We specialize in bringing people together and cannot let fear win. The terrorist attack in New Orleans was an attack on all of America and our way of life,” Leger said.

 

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