New Orleans Terror Attack Survivor Recalls Hearing ‘Pop, Pop, Pop’ as Suspect’s Truck Approached
A 51-year-old survivor of the deadly New Orleans New Year’s attack has shared a harrowing account of the events surrounding the tragedy.
Jeremi Senski, a paralyzed man who was in a wheelchair when the attack occurred, told NBC News that he has been paralyzed since 1999 and that his wheelchair was destroyed in the accident. He explained that both of his legs were broken, but he is fortunate to be alive.
Senski recalled seeing his wheelchair parts scattered around him as he lay on the ground. He recalled hearing a speeding truck approaching, followed by shots being fired and people screaming. He described the scene as a “war zone.”
Another survivor, Alexis Scott-Windham, an Alabama resident, was shot in the foot and had multiple fractures. Her friends called her mother for help as she lay bleeding on Bourbon Street, and her mother advised them to apply a tourniquet to control her blood flow.
Two Israeli reservists, who had been granted leave from the Hamas war, were also injured but wish to keep their names private. Two New Orleans Police Department officers were also injured and are expected to make a full recovery.
The attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, has been accused of posting support for the Islamic State (ISIS) on social media before carrying out the rampage. Thirteen of the 14 deceased victims have been identified, with most being in their 20s.
A memorial has been established for the victims, and several survivors have sued the City of New Orleans and the New Orleans Police Department, alleging that their negligence contributed to the tragedy.
The attack on New Year’s Day left 14 people dead and over 30 others injured, and has sent shockwaves through the city and beyond.
