A University of Georgia student was critically injured and hospitalized when a car plowed through a crowd of pedestrians in New Orleans early Wednesday, killing 10 people and injuring at least 30 others. The incident occurred on Bourbon Street. The suspect was killed in a shootout with police.
UGA President Jere W. Morehead offered his sympathies to the victims and their families, saying, “I am deeply saddened by the devastating attack in New Orleans overnight, and I extend my sincere condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this terrible tragedy.”
Morehead also expressed his gratitude to the first responders and medical professionals who assisted those affected by the attack.
Statement from President Jere W. Morehead:
I am deeply saddened by the devastating attack in New Orleans overnight, and I extend my sincere condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this terrible tragedy.
At this point, we have learned that a…
— UGA (@universityofga) January 1, 2025
The student, whose identity has not been released, is receiving medical care. Morehead said he spoke with the student’s family to offer support and convey the best wishes of the university community.
All team personnel and members are safe and accounted for, according to a UGA Athletic Association student.
The UGA Red Coat Marching Band also posted a statement to X stating that all of its members and staff are safe.
Statement from UGA Athletic Association:
“We are deeply saddened by the senseless violence that occurred in New Orleans. All team personnel and members of the official team travel party have been accounted for. Currently, we are in contact with local law enforcement as well as…
— Georgia Bulldogs (@UGAAthletics) January 1, 2025
— UGA Redcoat Band (@UGARedcoatBand) January 1, 2025
Sugar Bowl postponed
The Georgia Bulldogs were set to play the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on Wednesday night. However, after the Sugar Bowl Committee initially indicated that the game would go on as scheduled, authorities announced the game would be postponed for 24 hours due.
The Sugar Bowl Committee said it is working closely with authorities to ensure safety. The Committee said it is “devastated by the terrible events of this morning” and added, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.”
Statement from the Sugar Bowl Committee pic.twitter.com/OmatGg9h4y
— Allstate Sugar Bowl (@SugarBowlNola) January 1, 2025
FBI: Suspect had ISIS flag in truck
Authorities identified the suspect in the deadly attack as Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, of Texas. He was killed after a shootout with police once his pickup truck collided with a lift vehicle at the intersection of Bourbon and Conti streets, the FBI confirmed.
After striking the lift, the FBI said Jabbar shot at law enforcement on the scene and was killed by return fire. Two police officers were wounded in the shootout and hospitalized in stable condition.
Another 35 people struck by the truck were also injured, including the critically injured UGA student.
The FBI is leading the investigation into what the agency has deemed a terrorist attack. The agency says agents discovered possible improvised explosive devices at the scene. A flag for the jihadist Islamic State group was also found in the truck, along with other firearms.
Law enforcement officials held a press conference Thursday afternoon to update the public on the situation in New Orleans. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell joined them and said city and state officials are working closely together to ensure the safety of New Orleans residents and visitors.
