Heartbroken Family and Friends Mourn New Year’s Eve Attacks in New Orleans
A suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, is accused of driving a car into a large crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more on New Year’s Day. New Orleans police chief Anne Kirkpatrick described the attack as “very intentional behavior” and said that the suspect was “hell-bent on creating the carnage and damage that he did.”
Among the victims is Tiger Bech, a 27-year-old former Princeton football player, who was killed in the attack. His brother, Jack Bech, paid tribute to him on social media, saying “Love you always brother! You inspired me every day now you get to be with me in every moment.”
Another victim is Nikyra Dedeaux, an 18-year-old aspiring nurse, who was hit by a truck during her New Year’s Eve celebration. Her friend, Zion Parsons, described the scene, saying “A truck hit the corner and comes barreling through throwing people like in a movie scene, throwing people into the air. It hit her and flung her like at least 30 feet and I was just lucky to be alive.”
Other victims include Nicole Perez, a 28-year-old single mother to a 4-year-old son, who was recently promoted to manager at a local deli, and Reggie Hunter, 37, who had gone to Bourbon Street with his cousin to ring in the new year.
Investigations are ongoing, and the FBI has confirmed that the attack was an act of terrorism. A GoFundMe account has been set up to cover funeral costs and expenses for the victims’ families.
