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.
Here’s what we know so far about the Charlie Kirk murder case, summarized in clear bullet points:
What’s Known About the Charlie Kirk Murder
- When & Where
- Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on September 10, 2025, at approximately 12:20 p.m. Mountain Time during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. (Wikipedia)
- Event Details
- The event was the launch of his “American Comeback Tour.” He was at his “Prove Me Wrong” table, responding to questions from students. (Wikipedia)
- A student had just asked about the number of mass shootings by transgender individuals, and Kirk was answering that question when he was shot. (Wikipedia)
- Nature of the Attack
- The shooter fired a single long-range shot, hitting Kirk in the neck. The shot appeared to come from a rooftop nearby (reports put the distance at around 142–200 yards). (Wikipedia)
- Security
- About 3,000 people were present. Security consisted of six university police officers (some in plain clothes) plus Kirk’s private security. Observers have said security was relatively lax—no tickets were required and no metal detectors were used. (Wikipedia)
- Immediate Aftermath
- Two individuals were initially detained as persons of interest but were released after questioning, confirmed not to be the shooter. (Wikipedia)
- The shooter remains at large. Authorities have not released a name or motive yet. (The Washington Post)
- Investigation & Evidence
- The FBI and local law enforcement are leading the investigation. They’ve released photos and video of a person of interest and are asking the public for help. Over 7,000 tips have been received. (The Guardian)
- A $100,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the killer. (Federal Bureau of Investigation)
- A .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle (Mauser system) was recovered in a nearby wooded area, wrapped in a towel. Forensic evidence such as shoe prints, palm prints, and cartridge casings are being analyzed. (New York Post)
- Legal & Political Response
- Utah authorities announced their intention to pursue the death penalty if the shooter is caught. (CBS News)
- President Trump announced that Charlie Kirk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. (People.com)
- The killing has sparked widespread national outrage, with both sides of the political spectrum condemning the violence—though rhetoric has been sharply divided. (The Guardian)
Summary Table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Sept 10, 2025, around 12:20 p.m. MT |
| Location | Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah |
| Victim | Charlie Kirk, age 31, conservative activist |
| Attack Type | Long-range shooting from rooftop using a bolt-action rifle |
| Security | Private security + university officers, criticized as minimal |
| Suspect Status | Shooter at large; no confirmed arrests |
| Investigation | FBI leading, released suspect images, offering $100K reward |
| Evidence | Recovery of rifle, forensic evidence collected |
| Legal Actions | Death penalty intended if perpetrator is found |
| Reactions | National outrage; Trump to honor Kirk’s legacy posthumously |