The Saints and Pelicans have expressed “deep sadness” over Wednesday morning's New Year's attack in New Orleans, which the FBI is investigating as an act of terrorism.
Professional sports franchises released a joint statement Wednesday afternoon after a pickup truck driver struck people on Bourbon Street around 3:15 a.m., killing 10 people and injuring 35 others.
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, was killed in a gunfight with police and two officers were injured.
“The New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred on Bourbon Street early on New Year's Day,” the teams, owned by Gail Benson, said in a statement.
“During this difficult time, our hearts go out to all the victims and their families, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the first responders who acted quickly and bravely at the scene.
“New Orleans is a city built on resilience, and this heartbreaking event forces us to come together to support each other, honor those affected, and work towards healing as a community.” The New Orleans community has always shown extraordinary courage and compassion in times of tragedy, and we are confident this time will be no different.”
The Sugar Bowl, one of the College Football Playoff quarterfinals between Georgia and Notre Dame, was postponed for 24 hours due to the terrorist attack.
The Saints (5-11) played their final home game last Sunday, losing to the Raiders, and will end their season on the road against the Buccaneers on January 5th.
The injury-riddled Pelicans (5-28), who are at the bottom of the NBA standings, play Wednesday night in Miami, fresh off a five-game winless homestand.
They are scheduled to play the Wizards at home on Friday.
“Praying for New Orleans,” Saints quarterback Derek Carr wrote in X earlier Wednesday.
