Big Easy Blues

Terrorist Attack in New Orleans

I had no plans for celebrating the New Year other than going to the French Quarter to people-watch. Notre Dame and Georgia fans are in town for the Sugar Bowl, and it tickles me to watch people experience New Orleans for the first time. But that didn’t happen. I stayed home, mostly in bed. I’ve seen almost every movie in theaters, and the French Quarter was inaccessible.

On January 1, 2025, at 3:15 PM, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove north on Canal Street in New Orleans in a white Ford F-150. An NOPD car was blocking the entrance to Bourbon Street, as cars aren’t allowed to drive on Bourbon Street after a particular hour. Jabbar drove onto the sidewalk around the police car, taking a sharp right onto Bourbon Street. He hit the gas and plowed into a packed crowd before crashing into a lift just a few feet east of Conti Street.

He killed 15 people and injured over 30 others. One of the deceased is an 18-year-old girl from Mississippi. She was studying to be a nurse.

I live here. This is my city. A random shooting on Bourbon Street, I hate to say it, but that wouldn’t faze anyone. That’s normal. This isn’t normal. This doesn’t happen here. New Orleans is a lot of things, but this city is easy. It’s calm, fun, and full of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. This city has music, culture, history, and so much love. Why did this happen here? While I was asleep, people died three miles from my house.

I’m sorting out my feelings. I’m confused. I’m scared. I’m angry. I’m sad. I’m worried. There’s this overwhelming feeling of patriotism but also a numbness that reminds me of 9/11. I have so many questions.

I love this city, and I know we will be okay. Pray for New Orleans.