Tom Wilson, chairman and CEO of Sugar Bowl sponsor Allstate Corp., sparked a backlash on social media Thursday afternoon after his comments in the wake of the New Year's Day terrorist attack in New Orleans. .
Just before the game started, Wilson released a video statement suggesting that Americans have an “addiction to discord” and need to “embrace the imperfections and differences of people.”
“Our prayers go out to the victims and their families,” Wilson told viewers. “We also need to come together and become stronger by overcoming our addiction to discord and negativity. Join Allstate in working in local communities across the country to amplify the positive.” , increase trust and accept people's flaws and differences. Together we will win.”
The early morning festive mood that followed New Year's celebrations was shattered at about 3:15 a.m. Wednesday when a driver drove his truck into a crowd, killing and injuring dozens of people. The driver, identified as Shamsud Din Jabbar, then got out of his car and opened fire on police, injuring two officers.
Din Jabbar was killed in a gunfight with police. Authorities also found an ISIS flag affixed to Din Jabbar's truck.
X users accused Wilson of being tone-deaf and reacting in a “limping” manner.
Din Jabbar's attack left at least 14 people dead and dozens more injured. The attack has raised concerns about public safety in the Crescent City, where the Super Bowl is scheduled to be held at Caesars Superdome on February 9th.
