NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The city of New Orleans gathered in grief and resilience Saturday evening at a vigil held along the iconic street where a man drove a pickup truck into a crowd, causing devastation during New Year’s celebrations.
A heartfelt memorial, adorned with crosses, photos of the 14 victims, candles, flowers, and teddy bears, became the centerpiece of the vigil. Families of the victims embraced, some shedding tears. Yet, as a brass band began to play, the atmosphere shifted. Grief gave way to a celebration of life as attendees snapped their fingers, swayed, and followed the music along Bourbon Street.
The coroner’s report attributed the deaths of all 14 victims to “blunt force trauma.” Another 30 people were injured, and according to Carolina Giepert, spokesperson for University Medical Center New Orleans, 13 remain hospitalized, including eight in intensive care.
The tragedy, which occurred early Wednesday, was perpetrated by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old former U.S. Army soldier. Police fatally shot Jabbar during a shootout at the scene of the crash on Bourbon Street, renowned worldwide for its vibrant energy in the historic French Quarter.
Community Comes Together
Cathy Tenedorio, whose 25-year-old son Matthew was among the victims, shared her feelings about the immense support shown at the vigil. “The outpouring of love and compassion has been overwhelming,” she said. “I’m floating through it all.”
Autrele Felix, 28, a New Orleans native, left a handwritten note at the memorial for his friend Nicole Perez, a single mother who lost her life in the attack. “Seeing the city unite during such a tragedy means everything,” Felix said. “In times like this, we truly become one.”
For others, the best way to honor the victims was to celebrate as they might have wanted.
“That’s what they came here to do—have a good time,” said lifelong New Orleans resident Kari Mitten.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are set to visit New Orleans on Monday to “mourn alongside the families and community impacted by this horrific event.”
Investigators Seek Answers
Authorities continued their investigation into Jabbar’s motives on Friday, confirming he acted alone.
Before the attack, Jabbar expressed support for the Islamic State in online videos, making it the deadliest IS-inspired assault on U.S. soil in years. Law enforcement officials revealed that Jabbar had reserved the rental vehicle for the attack more than six weeks prior, on November 14.
A search of Jabbar’s Houston home uncovered materials believed to be used in bomb-making, including hazardous substances and a workbench in his garage. Investigators also discovered crude explosives in the vicinity of the attack, including two improvised devices placed in coolers. These devices were neutralized, while others were found to be nonfunctional.
Officials said Jabbar purchased a cooler in Vidor, Texas, and gun oil in Sulphur, Louisiana, just hours before the attack. Inside the rental truck, investigators found a transmitter designed to trigger the bombs, alongside evidence that Jabbar had attempted to burn down the New Orleans home he rented by starting a fire with accelerants.
Jabbar exited the crashed vehicle wearing a ballistic vest and helmet, firing at police and injuring two officers before being fatally shot. Officials have not disclosed the total number of shots fired or whether any bystanders were struck, citing the ongoing investigation.
Stella Cziment, head of the city’s Office of the Independent Police Monitor, stated that investigators are working meticulously to account for every bullet fired during the incident.
Heightened Security Measures
In response to the tragedy, authorities have increased security around Bourbon and Canal Streets, using barricades and multiple vehicles to prevent unauthorized traffic. Reese Harper, a spokesperson for the New Orleans Police Department, said additional law enforcement agencies are assisting with security efforts.
The first parade of the Carnival season is set to take place Monday, with the Super Bowl scheduled for February 9 in New Orleans.
“This heightened security will remain in place daily, not just for major events,” Harper said.
Previously, the city had installed steel bollards on Bourbon Street to restrict vehicle access. However, these retractable posts were removed after becoming clogged with Mardi Gras beads, drinks, and other debris. Officials announced plans to replace them ahead of the Super Bowl.
Remembering the Victims
The attack claimed the lives of individuals ranging from an 18-year-old aspiring nurse to a former Princeton University football player.
The New Orleans coroner’s office has identified 13 of the 14 victims, whose ages range from 18 to 63. One victim, 31-year-old Edward Pettifer of West London, was a British citizen and the stepson of Tiggy Legge-Bourke, who served as a nanny to Prince William and Prince Harry.
At Saturday’s vigil, family members identified the final victim as Tasha Polk, a nursing assistant and mother in her 40s.
