New Orleans Honors Victims of New Year’s Attack with Heartfelt Vigil | US News
A vigil was held in New Orleans to commemorate the 14 lives lost when a truck was driven into revelers celebrating the new year.
Among those in attendance on Saturday night were relatives of the victims, gathered on Bourbon Street, the renowned thoroughfare in the French Quarter where the tragic incident occurred.
The vigil commenced near a makeshift memorial adorned with photographs of the victims, along with candles, teddy bears, and flowers thoughtfully arranged on the street.
While families wept for their loved ones, the atmosphere shifted as a brass band began to play, transforming moments of grief into a celebration as the crowd danced and moved to the music.
People crowding Bourbon Street near the intersection of Canal Street. Pic: AP
A second-line brass band performing at the vigil. Pic: Reuters
The coroner’s office in New Orleans has identified 13 of the 14 victims, one of whom was British citizen Edward Pettifer.
Edward, 31, was from west London and was the stepson of Tiggy Legge-Bourke, who served as nanny to Prince William and Prince Harry from 1993 to 1999.
Prince William expressed his condolences, stating he was “shocked and saddened” by the loss of Mr. Pettifer, calling it “tragic.”
Husband and wife Louis and Cathy Tenedorio beside tributes to the victims, including their son. Pic: Reuters
A mourner places a candle at the vigil Pic: Reuters
Cathy Tenedorio, who lost her 25-year-old son Matthew in the New Year’s Day attack, expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of love and support at the vigil.
“The response has been incredibly touching, a true outpouring of love,” she remarked. “I feel like I’m floating through it all.”
Autrele Felix, who mourned the loss of her friend Nicole Perez, shared her feelings, saying: “It means a lot to see our city unite in the face of such a tragedy. We all come together as one.”
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A woman pays her respects. Pic: Reuters
Pic: Reuters
Many participants noted that embodying the celebratory spirit was the most fitting tribute to the victims.
“They were here to enjoy themselves, after all,” remarked Kari Mitten, a lifelong resident of New Orleans.
The coroner’s office has attributed all 14 deaths to “blunt force injuries.”
Additionally, around 30 others sustained injuries in the assault when Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a former U.S. Army soldier, drove a rented truck into a crowd during the early hours of New Year’s Day.
Prior to the incident, Jabbar had posted videos online expressing support for the Islamic State. He was killed in a subsequent shootout with police.
Out of those injured, 13 individuals are still hospitalized, with eight being treated in intensive care, according to a spokesperson from the University Medical Center New Orleans.