The University of Notre Dame asked fans to join the university in prayers after an attack in New Orleans Wednesday morning. (wolterke, Adobe Stock)
The University of Notre Dame is asking for prayers after a pickup truck attack in New Orleans killed 10 people and injured about 35 early Wednesday morning.
A person identified by law enforcement as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar of Texas intentionally drove into a crowd celebrating the new year on Bourbon Street around 3:15 a.m., officials said.
The attack occurred hours before No. 3 Notre Dame was set to play No. 2 Georgia in the College Football Playoffs quarterfinals in the Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome. Sugar Bowl officials announced Wednesday afternoon the game had been postponed until Thursday at 8:45 p.m.
Notre Dame is working with law enforcement to “to determine the full scope and impact of the tragedy,” the university said in an X post. The university said all football team personnel have been accounted for.
“We ask our fans to join us in prayer for those injured and lost in this senseless act of violence,” Notre Dame said. “Those staying at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel are welcome to join us for the previously scheduled Mass there at 11 a.m. Otherwise, we ask that you join us in prayer from wherever you are.”
We are aware of the incident this morning in New Orleans and are working with law enforcement and others to determine the full scope and impact of the tragedy.
— University of Notre Dame (@NotreDame) January 1, 2025
The public is urged to avoid Bourbon Street north from Canal to Dumaine Streets and also east from Royal Street to…
Betsy Ross, a Notre Dame fan and graduate, stayed in a hotel with other fans Tuesday night. As one of the city’s busiest parts of town, she said Bourbon Street was buzzing for the holiday.
“I think that that's what's the most shocking thing of it, that people were just out celebrating New Year's. They weren't doing anything wrong,” Ross said. “They weren't doing anything out of the ordinary. And to have something like this disrupt their lives, all our lives, and give us this sense of unease. It's, it's just devastating.”
After the attack, Ross said Bourbon Street was blocked off. Some visitors were evacuated from their homes and hotels, she said.
Ross said fans were uneasy about going to the Sugar Bowl Wednesday night, already expecting many people wouldn’t turn out to the Superdome. Even with the police, fans might not have felt totally safe.
"There's so many fans who enjoy college football,” Ross said. “It's a tragedy in and of itself, to think that this kind of act can take away the joy that we all have when we go to a game like this. But you just hope that it will bring us together.”
According to WNNO, New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick said she wanted Sugar Bowl fans to “go about your day” Wednesday morning. Police said the majority of victims seem to be locals but haven’t released more information on their identities.
Notre Dame President Rev. Robert A. Dowd said the university’s prayers are with the family members and loved ones impacted by the attack.
“We also pray for all those injured and extend our deepest gratitude to the brave first responders who risked their lives to protect others,” Dowd said. “To be in solidarity with those who suffer is to exemplify the spirit of Notre Dame. Today, we are in solidarity with all those impacted by this tragedy.”
Notre Dame Athletics announced all football team personnel were accounted for.
The University of Georgia also released a statement Wednesday. The university is working with law enforcement to see if any Georgia students, faculty, staff, alumni or fans were among the victims.
“We are horrified and saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred in the early hours of New Year’s Day in New Orleans,” the university said on social media. “We offer our deepest condolences to all the victims and their families, and we stand in solidarity with the New Orleans community.”
Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley released a statement Wednesday morning, saying the Sugar Bowl committee is “devastated” by the attack.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families,” Hundley said.
The driver died after exchanging gunfire with police, the FBI said. The FBI is investigating the crime as “an act of terrorism.”
Ross said when something like Wednesday’s attack happens, the worst thing to do is to give into the terrorism. People should be responsible for their own safety in public, she said, but it shouldn’t take away from enjoying a night out or a football game. Ross hopes a sense of security returns.
“We shouldn't live our lives in fear,” Ross said. “We need to live our lives. We need to enjoy little things, like a college football game. We need to enjoy that."
This story has been updated.
Aubrey is our higher education reporter and a Report For America corps member. Contact her at aubmwrig@iu.edu or follow her on X @aubreymwright.
