January 7, 2025 update
Last night an interfaith prayer service for victims of the French Quarter tragedy was held at the Roman Catholic Cathedral in New Orleans. I am out of town, but we were well represented by Pastor Sandra Barnes (Gethsemane Chalmette), Pastor Katie Jacob (Grace New Orleans), and Pastor Laura Stephenson (Christ the King Kenner).
Video of the service: https://www.youtube.com/live/ji8IWwGknTY?si=dcgAMF4fD8JkKWso
January 6, 2025 update
Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced that President Biden has given Marci Gras a SEAR-1 (Special Event Assessment Rating), indicating a high risk.
Here are the names and info of the 14 dead. https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/people-killed-during-bourbon-street-terror-attack-identified/article_46b6e7e4-ca25-11ef-abe1-6f54e47e04f8.html
January 2, 2025 update
The death toll is currently at 14 now. Names of the deceased are starting to come out. Two Israeli citizens are among those killed. Others from various walks of life. Too many. Too young. Not all have been released yet, but here are some: https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/suspected-terrorist-attack-victim-list-nola/article_1b98e18e-c863-11ef-b371-ef729d81fdc0.html
Authorities now believe Jabber worked alone. He posted videos to social media prior to the attack saying he was inspired by the Islamic State group. They also report he was wearing a ballistics vest and helmet. The Airbnb rental where he was staying went up in flames Wednesday in an arson. Bomb-making material was present in the residence. Police also found a pipe bomb containing nails and suspected C4 explosives inside an ice chest at Bourbon Street and Orleans Avenue.
The Greater New Orleans Foundation has opened a tragedy fund for attack victims, and it’s growing generously: New Year’s Day Tragedy Fund
Bourbon Street will reopen to pedestrian traffic on Thursday at noon.
January 1, 2025
We are shaken today as the tragedy in the French Quarter continues to unfold. This morning at 3:15 am, a 42 year-old, male U.S. citizen and army veteran from Houston, Texas drove a pick-up truck at high speed on Bourbon Street into a large crowd of people celebrating the Sugar Bowl and New Year’s Day. It is confirmed that ten were killed. 35+ were injured, some critically, so the data is still in flux. Names are not yet available as victims are identified and families are notified. The perpetrator was shot dead at the scene by police.
Our hearts go out to the families of all who have died and all who are injured. Lutherans in the New Orleans area and in the Gulf Coast Region are grieving and praying for all who are affected.
The Sugar Bowl has been pushed back 24 hours to give time to confirm that the threat is nullified and to secure the Superdome. Violent crime in New Orleans is down 50% in the last two years, so this comes as a shock to the city.
At this time, authorities believe that the perpetrator did not act alone. Guns and pipe bombs were found in the sweep, as well as an IS flag. They are asking anyone who has any knowledge of or interaction with Shamsud-Din Jabbar to contact the FBI at 1-800 CALL FBI (1-800-225-5324).
Every news outlet is covering the situation. AP reporting is quite thorough and accurate, as is the BBC. Local news (The New Orleans Times Picayune) is less detailed, but gives more of a local perspective: https://www.nola.com.
We are grateful for all of your texts, emails, and expressions of concern.
Good and gracious God, comfort and strengthen all who are affected by the tragedy in French Quarter. Comfort those who are grieving. Bring healing to those who are injured.
https://apnews.com/article/new-orleans-car-bourbon-street-63a1b43d615af365cb8ba6f5f0583eca
