Sugar Bowl official speaks out after deadly attack on Bourbon Street leaves at least 10 dead hours before kickoff
The College football playoffs quarterfinal matchup between No. 2 Georgia and No. 3 Notre Dame was overshadowed by tragedy early Wednesday morning when an unidentified driver intentionally drove his car into a large crowd of people celebrating New Year’s Eve on Bourbon Street, killing at least 10 people and injuring more than two dozen others, according to New Orleans officials.
The horrific attack, which the FBI is investigating as an act of terrorism, occurred as thousands of college football fans headed to the historic city for Wednesday night’s game at Caesars Superdome.
The Allstate Sugar Bowl logo at center during the CFP Allstate Sugar Bowl semifinal game between the Texas Longhorns and the Washington Huskies on Jan. 1, 2024, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. (John Korduner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Allstate Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley released a statement Wednesday expressing his condolences to the victims. He added that the organizers continue to cooperate with the authorities before the start.
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“A bowl of sugar The committee has been shaken by the horrific events since early morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We are in discussions with local, state and federal authorities and will provide further details as they become available.”
Pre-match security concerns became a major concern. Superdome, which is a home New Orleans Saints, has a capacity of over 80,000.
During a news conference Wednesday morning, Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick seemed to indicate that the game would go ahead as scheduled.
Emergency services examine the scene on Bourbon Street after a vehicle plowed into a crowd at the New Orleans Canal and Bourbon Street on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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“I will say that we want our community and our visitors to continue to enjoy – there is so much to enjoy in New Orleans. And we will make sure that our routes and the Superdome are safe for the game today.”
The New Orleans Police Department said in its latest statement that a driver killed at least 10 people and injured 35 others after he deliberately drove through a crowd of people in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day.
The suspect, who has not been identified, exchanged fire with police, striking two officers before being fatally shot.
Police investigate a crime scene on Bourbon Street in New Orleans Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. A driver plowed into a crowd of New Year’s revelers and began firing a gun in the early morning hours. (Kat Ramirez for Fox News Digital)
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The FBI said improvised explosive devices were found and that investigators were working to confirm whether the devices were viable.
Wednesday’s game is scheduled to begin at 8:45 PM ET.
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