The New Orleans Police Chief says the city is planning to cancel the Sugar Bowl scheduled for Wednesday after a man drove his car into people on Bourbon Street on New Year's Day, killing at least 10 people and injuring 35 others. He said he is working to make sure the Caesars Superdome is safe for the game. morning.
No. 2 Georgia State is scheduled to play No. 7 Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals at 8:45 p.m. ET.
“We have a lot to look forward to in New Orleans, and we want our community and visitors to continue to enjoy it. Today we'll be making sure the route and the Superdome are safe for the game,” Kirkpatrick said. said. “Nonetheless, we're sorry to the community for this tragic event, but we hope you're doing well on your day. Just stay off Bourbon (Street).”
The Sugar Bowl Committee said it is cooperating with authorities following this tragic incident.
“The Sugar Bowl Committee is devastated by the horrific events that occurred early this morning,” CEO Jeff Hundley said in a statement. Photographed by WGNO-TV in Louisiana. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We are in ongoing consultation with authorities at the local, state, and federal levels and will update you as we learn more.”
The attack occurred around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday when a man drove a pickup truck on Bourbon Street in what Kirkpatrick described as a “very deliberate act.”
Mayor LaToya Cantrell called it a “terrorist attack.”
It was not a drunk driving incident.
Kirkpatrick said the man shot and killed two police officers after crashing his car, and both officers were unharmed. Officials told the Post that the man had been shot.
“This guy was trying to run over as many people as possible,” Kirkpatrick said. “He was hell-bent on creating carnage and the resulting damage.”
New Orleans is a popular tourist destination, packed with Georgia and Notre Dame crowds ahead of Game 3 of the College Football Playoff's final quarterfinals on Wednesday.
After the No. 6 Nittany Lions defeated No. 11 Boise State 31-14 on Tuesday night, the winner of this matchup will face Penn State in the semifinals on Jan. 9.
