NFL issues Super Bowl update in wake of deadly terror attack in New Orleans
The NFL has moved to reassure fans that Super Bowl LIX will be a 'safe and enjoyable experience' following Wednesday's terror attack in New Orleans.
The Louisiana city has been left devastated by the fatal attack in the early hours of Wednesday morning, which claimed the lives of 15 and left 35 injured after a terrorist ploughed a vehicle into a large crowd celebrating the New Year on Bourbon Street.
Driver Shamsud Din Jabbar, who was killed in a resulting shootout with police, rammed into the group at high speed before getting out and firing a weapon, witnesses said. Investigators also found what appeared to be improvised explosives at the crash site that did not detonate.
The attack in New Orleans comes just under six weeks before the city is scheduled to host this year's Super Bowl on February 9, which has raised concerns amongst NFL fans ahead of the 2025 showpiece.
Yet in a statement about the horrific events that played out on Bourbon Street, the league stressed that Super Bowl LIX will still be a safe event at Caesars Superdome after two years of 'comprehensive security plans' were put together.
'We are deeply saddened by the news of the devastating incident in New Orleans,' an NFL statement read. 'Our thoughts are with the victims, the New Orleans community and all those affected.
The NFL has reassured fans that Super Bowl LIX will be a 'safe and enjoyable experience'
New Orleans has been left devastated by a fatal terror attack which claimed the lives of 15 people after a terrorist ploughed a vehicle into a large crowd celebrating the New Year
'The NFL and the local host committee have been working collaboratively with local, state and federal agencies the past two years and have developed comprehensive security plans. These planning sessions will continue as they do with all major NFL events and we are confident attendees will have a safe and enjoyable Super Bowl experience.'
The FBI said the driver of the vehicle was Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran from Texas. They are investigating the massacre 'as an act of terrorism' and New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell described it as a 'terrorist attack'.
An ISIS flag and weapons were found inside the vehicle, as the FBI continues to assess Jabbar's connection to the terror group.
Guns and pipe bombs were found in the suspect's vehicle, according to the State Police bulletin.
The devices were concealed within coolers and wired for remote detonation with a remote control that also was found in the vehicle, the bulletin said.
Among the 15 fatalities was former college football player Tiger Bech, 28, who was rushed to a local hospital after being struck by the vehicle before being kept on a life-support machine until his family could arrive.
Tributes have poured in for the ex-Princeton wide receiver, including from his younger brother Jack - a standout wide receive for Texas Christian University.
Jack, 22, quoted a post on X announcing Tiger's death and wrote: 'Love you always brother ! You inspired me everyday now you get to be with me in every moment.
'I got this family T, don’t worry. This is for us'.
