of college football playoffs The quarterfinal matchup between No. 2 Georgia and No. 3 Notre Dame began early Wednesday morning when an unidentified driver intentionally plowed his car into a crowd of people celebrating the New Year on Bourbon Street, killing at least 10 people. The tragedy left many dead and many more injured. New Orleans officials say there are more than two dozen others.
The horrific attack, which the FBI is investigating as an act of terrorism, occurred as thousands of college football fans were on their way to the historic city for Wednesday night's game. Caesars Superdome.
The Allstate Sugar Bowl logo at midfield during the CFP semifinal Allstate Sugar Bowl game between the Texas Longhorns and Washington Huskies at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on January 1, 2024. (John Corduner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Allstate Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley issued a statement Wednesday expressing his condolences to the victims. He added that organizers were continuing to work with authorities ahead of kick-off.
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“Sugar Bowl” The Committee is devastated by the horrific events from early this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We are in ongoing discussions with authorities at the local, state, and federal levels and will update you as we learn more. ”
Security concerns have been a major concern ahead of the match. The home base, the Superdome, is new orleans saints, It has a capacity of over 80,000 people.
At a press conference on Wednesday morning, Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick appeared to suggest the match would go ahead as scheduled.
Emergency crews investigate a scene on Bourbon Street after a vehicle plows into a crowd at Canal and Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Live: New Orleans mayor declares 'terrorist attack' on Bourbon Street, FBI confirms investigation
“We want our community and visitors to continue to enjoy themselves. There is so much to enjoy in New Orleans, and we are excited to announce that we will continue to improve our routes and supermarkets for today's game. We’re going to make sure the dome is safe.”
New Orleans police said in an updated statement that a driver killed at least 10 people and injured 35 others after intentionally driving through a crowd early on New Year's Day.
The suspect, whose identity has not been released, engaged in a gunfight with law enforcement, striking two officers and later fatally wounding them.
Police investigate a scene on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. A driver plowed into a crowd celebrating the New Year and began firing shots early in the morning. (Kat Ramirez, Fox News Digital)
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The FBI said an improvised explosive device was found and investigators are working to determine whether the device is viable.
Wednesday's game is scheduled to kick off at 8:45 p.m. ET.
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