New Orleans Holds Vigil to Mourn Victims of Bourbon Street Terror Attack: ‘An Outpouring of Love’

people in New Orleans They mourned at a vigil Saturday night along the famous street after a man drove a pickup truck into a crowd, killing and injuring revelers early on the morning of New Year’s Day.

A makeshift memorial with crosses and photographs of the 14 victims killed in the attack was seen with candles, flowers and teddy bears. Relatives of the victims hugged each other and some were seen crying over the loss of their loved ones.

A marching band also played as part of what became a celebration of life as the crowd snapped their fingers, swayed and followed the music down Bourbon Street.

The coroner’s office listed the cause of death for all 14 victims as “blunt force injuries.” About 30 other people were injured in the attack. University Medical Center in New Orleans said 13 people remained hospitalized, including eight in intensive care.

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE SURVIVORS OF THE TERRORIST ATTACK IN NEW ORLEANS

Nathan Williams, a University of New Orleans student, lights a candle at the memorial on Bourbon Street for the victims of a deadly truck attack on New Year’s Day in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP)

The suspect was identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a former U.S. Army soldier who proclaimed his support for the Islamic State militant group in online videos posted hours before the attack.

Jabbar was shot and killed by police during an exchange of gunfire at the crash site on Bourbon Street. Authorities say he exited the crashed truck wearing a ballistic vest and helmet and fired at police, wounding at least two officers before officers shot him dead.

The FBI said Jabbar was not helped by anyone else in the terrorist attack.

Cathy Tenedorio, whose 25-year-old son Matthew was killed, said she was touched by all the condolences and kindness at Saturday’s vigil.

“This is the most overwhelming response of love, an outpouring of love. I’m floating through all of this,” she said.

People walk past a memorial on Canal Street for the victims of a deadly truck attack on New Year’s Day in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP)

Autrele Félix, 28, left a handwritten card next to a monument in memory of her friend Nicole Pérez, who died in the attack.

“It means a lot to see our city come together when a real tragedy occurs,” Felix said. “We all become one.”

Other people who gathered around the brass band said that the best way to honor the victims was to celebrate and have a good time.

“Because that’s what they were here for, they were having a good time,” said New Orleans resident Kari Mitten.

President Biden plans to travel to New Orleans with first lady Jill Biden on Monday to “grieve with the families and community members affected by the tragic attack.”

VICTIM OF NEW ORLEANS TERRORIST ATTACK WITH BROKEN LEGS SAYS HE FEELS ‘LUCKY’: ‘I’M ALIVE’

Friends of Kareem Badawi, victim of the deadly New Year’s Day truck attack in New Orleans, pray at a memorial after attending his funeral, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP)

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The first parade of the pre-Mardi Gras Carnival season was scheduled for Monday, and New Orleans will also host the Super Bowl next month.

Police used multiple vehicles and barricades to block traffic on Bourbon and Canal streets after the attack. Other law enforcement agencies helped provide additional security, according to New Orleans police spokeswoman Reese Harper.

“This enhanced security effort will continue daily, not just during large events,” Harper said in a statement.

He Bourbon Street Attack on New Year’s Eve was the deadliest IS-inspired attack on American soil in years.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.