People in New Orleans gathered at a vigil on Saturday evening along Bourbon Street to mourn the loss of 14 people who were killed and many more injured in a truck attack on New Year’s Day. The attack occurred when a 42-year-old man, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, drove a pickup truck into a crowd on the famous thoroughfare, killing 14 people and injuring about 30 others. Jabbar was shot and killed by police after he exited the truck, wearing a ballistic vest and helmet, and fired at them, wounding two officers.
At the vigil, a makeshift memorial was set up with crosses, pictures of the victims, and candles, flowers, and teddy bears left as tributes. Victims’ relatives were seen crying, hugging each other, and comforting one another. A brass band played, and the crowd sang and danced, turning the vigil into a celebration of life.
The causes of death for all 14 victims were listed as “blunt force injuries.” About 13 people remained hospitalized, with eight in intensive care. The FBI has determined that Jabbar was not aided by anyone else in the attack.
As the city comes together to grieve, many are finding solace in the outpouring of support and kindness from community members and strangers. Presumably, the city will continue to come together to mourn the loss of the 14 lives taken on New Year’s Day.