New Year's Day Incident
Statement from Walt Leger III, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company, the official destination marketing and sales organization for the New Orleans tourism industry
Update: Monday, January 13, 2025, 9 a.m.
New Orleans & Company continues to send our deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and all those whose lives have been forever changed by the horrific terrorist attack in our city on New Year’s Day. We are profoundly grateful to the first responders, law enforcement, and especially the members of the New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana State Police, and other law enforcement agencies who bravely ran into danger, ended the attack, and saved countless lives.
From today until January 19th, we ask everyone to please support our Bourbon Street restaurant community via Fleur du Coeur.
The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) and its Bourbon Street restaurant and bar members affected by the New Year’s Day tragedy will hold Fleur du Coeur: A Culinary Tribute, January 13-19, 2025. Participating restaurants will feature a special dish or drink on their menus, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Greater New Orleans Foundation New Year’s Day Tragedy Fund, to aid the victims and their families, and those injured or impacted by this devastating event. To learn more, visit www.lra.org/tribute.
For more than 300 years, New Orleans has been a critical international port city and the creator of some of the world’s best food, music, and traditions. This city shines brightly and is a unique light in the minds and imaginations of people around the world. That light will not be dimmed by a single act of evil.
Our business and tourism community is united with all local, state, and federal partners to continue making New Orleans a great and safe city to live, work, visit, and invest in. A single act of evil by an ISIS-inspired terrorist will never deter us. In fact, it has only strengthened our resolve and love for this community.
Millions of visitors come to New Orleans for the same reason we all choose to live here, because of our welcoming people, a beautiful, vibrant culture, and joy of life. We are uniquely Built to Host complex events such as Mardi Gras, sports championships, festivals, and some of the world’s most prominent conventions and meetings due to our world-class venues, hospitality, walkability, and the way our community embraces visitors.
Our preparation for upcoming events, and our community’s spirit and resilience, will not be deterred by this horrific act.
Larry Everage, New Orleans & Company
Memorial for the Victims of the Bourbon Street Terrorist Attack
In Memory of the 14 Lives Lost
As a city, we collectively mourn the lives that were tragically cut short on the morning of January 1, 2025, and offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends that they’ve left behind. May their memories forever be a blessing.
Andrew Dauphin, 26, of Montgomery, Alabama
Kareem Badawi, 18, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Brandon Taylor, 43, of Terrytown, Louisiana
Hubert Gauthreaux, 21, of Gretna, Louisiana
Matthew Tenedorio, 25, of Picayune, Mississippi
Ni’kyra Dedeaux, 18, of Gulfport, Mississippi
Nicole Perez, 27, of Metairie, Louisiana
Reggie Hunter, 37, of Prairieville, Louisiana
Martin Bech, 27, of Lafayette, Louisiana
Terrence Kennedy, 63, of New Orleans, Louisiana
Elliot Wilkinson, 40, of Slidell, Louisiana
William DiMaio, 25, of Hoboken, NJ
Edward Pettifer, 31, of London, England
LaTasha Polk, 47, of New Orleans, Louisiana
In addition to the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s New Year’s Day Tragedy Fund and United Way’s New Orleans Relief Fund, we’ve included links to verified GoFundMe pages set up for the deceased where available. Additionally, you can find links to other verified fundraisers for those injured in the attack and read more about the victims here. Additionally, the FBI has opened a Family Assistance Center to support victims of the Bourbon Street tragedy, including those who were present but not injured at the time of the attack. Visit https://forms.fbi.gov/bourbonstreetvictims or call (504) 355-0846 for additional assistance, including locations, hours, and services offered.
Larry Everage, New Orleans & Co.
A Close-Up of Portraits Created for the Victims of the Bourbon Street Attack
Security Actions Taken Since 1/1/2025
- New Orleans & Company Strengthening Security Plans for Each Group: New Orleans & Company is building upon our strong existing partnerships with NOPD, Louisiana State Police as well as other law enforcement agencies, to enhance coverage for upcoming events and meetings and secure additional patrols in heavily visited areas. Customers who have visited us in the days since the terror attack have commented on a strong and visible law enforcement presence.
- Additional Federal Resources: The Biden Administration granted the city’s request that Mardi Gras parades and certain related events occurring in New Orleans from February 21 to March 4 be upgraded to a Special Event Assessment Rating of 1 (SEAR 1). Super Bowl LIX is also a SEAR 1 event. The SEAR 1 designation assures the highest priority of federal coordination, personnel, and resources.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Defense are coordinating on all aspects of the investigation of the attack. The FBI is operating a command post in its New Orleans office that includes federal personnel as well as state and local authorities. The FBI has deployed additional special agents, analysts, and bomb technicians to assist in the investigation and liaise with local authorities. To learn more from the White House, please click here.
- Expert Security Assessment Underway: The City of New Orleans has hired Bill Bratton, former New York City Police Commissioner and one of the world’s most respected and trusted experts on risk and security issues, to consult with the city on security. During a 46-year career in law enforcement, Bratton led six police departments, including seven years as Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department and two terms as the Police Commissioner of the City of New York. He is the only person ever to lead the police agencies of America’s two largest cities.
Bratton will survey New Orleans’ safety plans as well as vulnerabilities in popular areas such as the French Quarter. At a January 9 press conference at NOPD Headquarters, Bratton said he “welcomed the chance to improve safeguards without compromising the cultural flavor in one of America's icons."
- Additional Bollards, Archers and Law Enforcement Presence for Super Bowl and Beyond: At a January 10 press conference, city officials announced the following in preparation for Super Bowl LIX, which New Orleans will host on February 9:
- The new measures include a stronger bollard system, with additional barricades behind them, street blockers called archers, and police SUVs and other vehicles to prevent vehicle ramming attacks.
- The City of New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) will continue to work with local, state and federal partners to coordinate resources in support of the event, including substantial federal assistance under SEAR 1 designation. More information can be found at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website.
- The New Orleans Police Department will be staffed at 100 percent, with additional state and federal officers present, for enhanced security measures. NOPD is working to ensure plans adequately address all event safety threats with the newly announced NOPD Security Consultant, Commissioner Bill Bratton, recently joining the team. Superintendent Kirkpatrick, said to expect a “sea of blue.”
- The New Orleans Fire Department will be at full staffing capacity and will provide department representation and support to public safety partners and operations around the city.
- New Orleans Emergency Medical Services will provide on-site coverage for the Super Bowl and related events and will be in continued coordination with regional healthcare facilities and public safety partners.
This was an attack on all of America and our way of life. New Orleans stands in solidarity with so many of the great, iconic cities of the world who have endured terrorist attacks. Like our brothers and sisters in those vibrant, resilient destinations, we plan a stronger future even as we mourn.
Other Ways to Help
1) Donate to Help the Survivors and Victims
• The Greater New Orleans Foundation has set up a fund to assist victims and survivors. To donate, please visit www.gnof.org.
• The United Way of Southeast Louisiana has set up the New Orleans Relief Fund to provide direct support to victims and their families. Donations will help cover medical expenses, funeral costs, trauma counseling, and more. To donate, please visit www.unitedwaysela.org/UnitedforNOLA
2) Give Blood
Blood Center locations in the region are in particular need of Type O+ Blood. A list of Blood Center locations can be found here.
3) Provide the FBI with Tips
We encourage anyone who has information, photos or videos that may be helpful to the investigation, to please share it with the FBI at 1-800-callFBI or www.fbi.gov/bourbonstreetattack. The FBI reported that the suspect acted alone.
4) Come Visit
Even as we mourn, we are planning our rise. If you have a scheduled trip to New Orleans, or are attending an event, meeting or convention here, we encourage you to keep your plans. If you want to support our community, please plan a trip. We specialize in bringing people together and can not let fear win. The terrorist attack in New Orleans was an attack on all of America and our way of life.
As President Biden stated at an Inter-faith prayer service in New Orleans on January 6, “If there’s one thing we know, New Orleans defines strength and resilience. You define it. Whether it’s in the from this attack or hurricanes or superstorms, this city and its people get back up. That’s the spirit of America as well.”
Other Updates
Carnival Season Kicks Off
Mardi Gras Day falls on March 4, but the Carnival season officially kicks off in New Orleans on King’s Day, January 6. Rex Official James J. Reiss III made the following remarks on January 6, 2025, at Mayor Cantrell’s annual Kings’ Day celebration, including that all 35 Mardi Gras parades will be dedicated to those who lost their lives and the loved ones they have left behind:
“Many of us who come across a visitor are often asked, “What is a second line?” Well, it’s a small parade or procession often preceding or following a funeral. It often starts with an overly somber tone reflecting the mood of those in attendance, yet as the procession continues, the tempo and feeling of revelry grow; not as a sign of disrespect for those who have left us, but as a sign of respect for the joy and love they brought us while we were together on this earth. In many ways, Mardi Gras is like a second line; a celebration of life and freedom.
Reflecting on the last few days, we, the parading captains, are reminded of the twin masks representing tragedy and comedy, one crying, and one laughing. Often a symbol of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. We, the people of New Orleans, are wearing both. One mask as we look backward in mournful remembrance following the tragedy of early New Years Day. The other mask as we move forward in celebration of life, liberty, and our freedoms as New Orleanians and as Americans.
New Orleanians are a people filled with a love for life, joie de vivre, it’s in our DNA. It’s why such things as hurricane parties exist! We are also some of the most resilient people on earth. During our over-300-year history, we have survived economic hardship, wars, pandemics, and now terrorism.
We bounce back. We always do. This year is no different.
In the face of this horrific event we, the krewes parading through New Orleans, dedicate our 35 parades, the centerpiece of our city’s Carnival celebration, to those who lost their lives and the loved ones they have left behind. While we know that it may not change the gravity of the loss; we are hopeful that this small gesture sheds some light on how we New Orleanians feel about our freedoms and why we celebrate, even in the face of such enormous tragedy; and we hope that it lets the families of those lost know that we wish to celebrate the memory of the joy and love those 14 souls brought to them while they were here.”
Bourbon Street Re-Opens
Bourbon Street reopened on January 2, approximately 35 hours after the attack. City leaders and clergy held a solemn memorial service, placing 14 yellow roses, one for each victim. Musicians were present because of our tradition of jazz funerals, which use music to celebrate life and mourn death. The music starts somber, but shifts to a more celebratory tone as the ceremony progresses.
More than 80,000 people in our area make their living in the travel industry and cultural economy. We thank city leaders for the measured and respectful way they approached returning Bourbon Street to commerce. As we mourn, we move forward in optimistic defiance to preserve our way of life.
A growing memorial is now at Bourbon and Canal Streets, which President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden visited on January 6 prior to meeting with victims' families and attending an inter-faith prayer service.
Allstate Sugar Bowl Successfully Held
Twenty hours after it was originally scheduled, the Allstate Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff Quarterfinal was held on January 2 at the Caesar’s Superdome featuring the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Georgia Bulldogs. There was a moment of silence to acknowledge the terror attack.
We thank the Notre Dame and Georgia fans who were able to extend their stay in New Orleans in solidarity. We appreciate the Notre Dame and Georgia athletes, coaches, staff and others for their support. The Allstate Sugar Bowl has been held in New Orleans for 91 years (except 2006 when it relocated to Atlanta due to Hurricane Katrina) and is a tremendous partner and friend to this city.
The Caesars Superdome team and law enforcement did a wonderful job and reinforced why New Orleans is Built to Host. The Caesars Superdome has been the site of many triumphant, cathartic sports moments for our community, and the 91st Annual Sugar Bowl was no exception. We are honored and prepared to host Super Bowl LIX in that iconic building on February 9.
Larry Everage, New Orleans & Co.
Memorial for the Victims of the Bourbon Street Attack
Thanks and Unity
We thank the many generous individuals and organizations who are donating to help the victims. Gayle Benson and the New Orleans Saints, in collaboration with the NFL Foundation, announced a $1 Million donation to support relief efforts for the victims.
We thank the thousands of our customers, colleagues, partners, and friends who have reached out from all over the world to express condolences and love for New Orleans. Your words have comforted and inspired us in an emotional time. Thank you for affirming your affection and commitment to our great City. As you look forward to being with us again, please know, we look forward to welcoming you with open arms.
We will continue to update www.neworleans.com/updates and our social channels at @visitneworleans and @neworleansandco.