Crime
Tragedy on Bourbon Street: Remembering the Victims of the New Orleans New Year’s Attack
On January 1, 2025, during New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, a tragic attack occurred on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter. A man drove a pickup truck into a crowd of revelers, resulting in 14 fatalities and injuring dozens more. The assailant, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was killed in a shootout with police following the attack.
Victims:
Among the 14 individuals who lost their lives, several have been publicly identified:
– Nicole Perez: A 27-year-old single mother and delicatessen manager, remembered for her dedication to her 4-year-old son.
– Ni’kyra Cheyenne Dedeaux: An 18-year-old from Mississippi, aspiring to study nursing, known for her caring nature.
– Reggie Hunter: A 37-year-old father of two from Baton Rouge, described as the “life of the party” and a dedicated warehouse manager.
– Martin “Tiger” Bech: A former Princeton football player and New York trader, celebrated for his athletic achievements and professional success.
– Kareem Badawi: An 18-year-old Palestinian-American student at the University of Alabama, known for his academic dedication.
– Matthew Tenedorio: A fiber optics professional from New Orleans, recognized for his technical skills and community involvement.
– Edward Pettifer: A 31-year-old British national and stepson of a former royal nanny, who was visiting New Orleans with a friend.
Suspect:
The perpetrator, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran from Houston, Texas. Reports indicate that he had expressed support for ISIS, and an ISIS flag was found flying from the truck’s rear bumper. Jabbar had previously traveled to Egypt in 2023, and authorities are investigating whether this trip played a role in his radicalization.
Community Response:
The attack has deeply affected the New Orleans community and beyond. Notably, New Orleans Pelicans’ star player, Zion Williamson, donated $100,000 to the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s Tragedy Fund to support the victims’ families.
This tragic event has prompted discussions about security measures in public spaces and the challenges of preventing such attacks in cities known for their vibrant public celebrations.
Crime
Two Dead, Two Injured in Marion Shooting; Authorities Identify One Victim as 16-Year-Old Kaiden Allen
MARION, S.C. — Two individuals were killed and two others wounded in a shooting that occurred Thursday night in Marion, prompting a large multi-agency response, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched to the scene on Tubello Court following reports of gunfire at approximately 7:21 p.m.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered four individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. As of 9:00 p.m., two of the victims were confirmed deceased.
One of the deceased has been identified as 16-year-old Kaiden Allen.
The crime scene remained active late into the night, with updates confirming that it was still being processed as of 10:22 p.m.
A coordinated response involved personnel from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, its K-9 Unit, the Marion and Mullins Police Departments, federal law enforcement agencies, and agents from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Authorities have not yet released the identities or conditions of the two surviving victims.
Investigators have also not commented on a potential motive or whether any suspects have been identified or taken into custody.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward by calling 843-423-8399. The investigation remains ongoing.