The city of New Orleans held a vigil to pay tribute to the victims of the Bourbon Street terror attack: 'A show of unity and support'
Seeing the city unite during a tragedy is meaningful, said Autrele Felix, who lost a friend in the attack.
On New Year's Day, a man driving a pickup truck into a crowd in New Orleans resulted in the death and injury of revelers, prompting mourning at a vigil held on Saturday evening along the famous thoroughfare.
The attack resulted in the death of 14 individuals, and a makeshift memorial was created with crosses, pictures of the victims, candles, flowers, and teddy bears. The victims' relatives gathered, some of them crying over the loss of their loved ones.
As the crowd snapped their fingers, swayed, and followed the music down Bourbon Street, a brass band also played as part of the celebration of life.
The cause of death for all 14 victims in the attack was listed as "blunt force injuries" by the coroner's office. Additionally, approximately 30 people sustained injuries during the incident. According to University Medical Center New Orleans, 13 individuals are still hospitalized, with eight of them in intensive care.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old former U.S. Army soldier, was identified as the suspect who posted online videos supporting the Islamic State militant group hours before the attack.
On Bourbon Street, Jabbar was killed by police after exiting a crashed truck and firing at them, injuring at least two officers.
According to the FBI, Jabbar acted alone in the terror attack.
At Saturday's vigil, Cathy Tenedorio, whose 25-year-old son Matthew was killed, expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of sympathy and compassion.
"This is the most overwhelming outpouring of love I've ever experienced. I feel like I'm floating through it all," she said.
Felix, 28, left a handwritten card beside a memorial for his friend Nicole Perez, who was killed in the attack.
""Seeing our city unite during a tragedy means a lot to Felix, as we all become one," said Felix."
The brass band was surrounded by a crowd of people who believed that the best way to pay tribute to the victims was to celebrate and enjoy themselves.
Kari Mitten, a New Orleans resident, stated that they were having a good time because that was the purpose of their visit down there.
On Monday, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will journey to New Orleans to "mourn with the families and community members affected by the devastating assault."
The first parade of the Carnival season will occur on Monday, while New Orleans will host the Super Bowl next month.
In the aftermath of the attack, New Orleans Police spokesperson Reese Harper stated that multiple vehicles and barricades were used to block traffic on Bourbon and Canal streets, and other law enforcement agencies assisted in providing extra security.
Harper stated that the heightened safety measures will be maintained on a daily basis, not only during significant events.
In years, the deadliest IS-inspired attack on U.S. soil occurred on Bourbon Street during New Year's.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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