Statement from Walt Leger III, President and Chief Executive Officer of New

Updated: January 2, 2025 12:50 CST

New Orleans Co. extends its deepest condolences to the loved ones and victims of the terrorist attack that occurred in our city in the early hours of New Year’s Day. It was heartbreaking to learn the names of the victims, see the photos and hear the victims’ stories. Let us be clear: Millions of visitors are drawn to New Orleans—and hundreds of thousands of us choose to live and work here—because of our warm people and beautiful culture. With world-class venues, culture and walkability, New Orleans is a unique place to host large-scale events, meetings and conventions.

Our preparation for the upcoming events, and the spirit and resilience of our community, will not be deterred by this horrific act.

New Orleans shines brightly, a unique light in the hearts and imaginations of people across the country and around the world. That light will not be dimmed by any evil act.

We thank the New Orleans Police Department and all regional, state and federal law enforcement officials for their response and service. We especially wish a speedy recovery to the two injured members of the New Orleans Police Department whose heroic response saved countless lives.

We are grateful to the thousands of customers, colleagues, partners and friends from around the world who have sent their condolences and love to New Orleans. Your words comfort and inspire us during our most emotional times. Thank you for your love and commitment to our great city. As you look forward to being with us again, please know that we look forward to welcoming you with open arms.

The latest news from the FBI press conference on the morning of January 2:

• Bourbon Street will reopen at 2:30pm today.
• The Allstate Sugar Bowl will be played today at 3:00 pm and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
• The FBI said the attacker acted alone. The man was shot dead on the spot by the police. “We do not believe the public is at risk,” said FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia.
• Mayor Cantrell said the city is ready for game days and large events.

New Orleans Inc. stands in solidarity with our city, state and federal partners. We respect the opinion of the FBI, as the lead investigative agency, and have the latest updates on ongoing investigations.

How to help

1. Provide tips to the FBI: Anyone with information, photos or video that may be helpful to the investigation is encouraged to share it with the FBI at 1-800-callFBI or www.fbi.gov/bourbonstreetattack
2. Donate blood

New Orleans EMS is partnering with the Blood Center to host two emergency blood drives on Thursday, January 2 and Friday, January 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2609 Canal Street. Other blood center locations in the area also have extended hours and can be found here.

3. Donate to help survivors and victims

• The Greater New Orleans Foundation has established a fund to assist victims and survivors. To donate, please visit www.gnof.org.
• The United Way of Southeast Louisiana has established the New Orleans Relief Fund to provide direct support to victims and their families. Donations will help with medical bills, funeral expenses, trauma counseling and more. To donate, visit www.unitedwaysela.org/UnitedforNOLA

4. Come and visit

Even as we mourn, we plan our rise. If you are planning a trip to New Orleans or are attending an event, meeting or convention here, we encourage you to keep your plans. If you would like to support our community, please plan a trip. We are focused on bringing people together and cannot let fear win. The New Orleans terrorist attack was an attack on America and our way of life.

As President Biden said yesterday, “There are many people around the world who love New Orleans for its history, its culture, and most importantly, its people. So I know that while this man carried out a horrific attack on this city, But the spirit of our New Orleans will never, ever, ever be defeated. We have seen this time and time again throughout its history and I know we will in the days and weeks ahead. Will see this happen again.”

We will continue to update www.neworleans.com/updates and our social channels @visitneworleans and @neworleansandco.