The New Orleans Saints and the National Football League (NFL) have announced a joint $1 million donation to support the victims of the tragic Bourbon Street attack on New Year’s Day. The incident resulted in 14 deaths and 35 injuries.
Saints owner Gayle Benson pledged $500,000, stating in a press release: “Our community has experienced an unimaginable tragedy, and our collective hearts are broken as we mourn for the victims and survivors of the New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans. As a league, our cities and teams compete fiercely, but through football, we are united and stand against all forms of hatred.” The NFL Foundation will match this contribution, bringing the total to $1 million.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell echoed Benson’s sentiments, expressing the league’s commitment to standing with the New Orleans community during this difficult time. The funds will be distributed through a partnership with the Greater New Orleans Foundation and United Way, ensuring that they reach local organizations directly assisting victims and their families.
Federal authorities have identified the perpetrator as 42-year-old Texas resident Shamsud-Din Jabbar. According to the FBI, Jabbar, who was killed in a shootout with authorities, had an Islamic State (IS) flag displayed on his vehicle when he drove into the crowd of New Year’s revelers.
The victims ranged in age from their late teens to their 40s, hailing from the local area, other parts of the United States, and the United Kingdom. The injured also represent a diverse group of locals, Americans, and international citizens.
President Joe Biden described the attack as “despicable,” emphasizing the resilient spirit of New Orleans: “New Orleans is a place unlike any other… a city full of charm and joy. So, I know, while this person committed a terrible assault on the city, the spirit of our New Orleans will never, never, never be defeated. It always will shine forth.”