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Notre Dame releases statement on 'act of terrorism' in New Orleans ahead of Sugar Bowl

On3 imageby:Dan Morrison•01/01/25•

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Notre Dame, Touchdown Jesus
Notre Dame, Touchdown Jesus - © Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

As Notre Dame and Georgia prepare to play the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, New Year’s Day was marred by tragedy. In what New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has called a “terrorist attack,” 10 people were killed and 30 were injured by a vehicle that drove into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street.

In the wake of that attack, the University of Notre Dame released a statement, calling for the public to avoid certain areas of New Orleans and to pray for the victims.

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“We are aware of the incident this morning in New Orleans and are working with law enforcement and others to determine the full scope and impact of the tragedy,” Notre Dame wrote in its statement. “The public is urged to avoid Bourbon Street north from Canal to Dumaine Streets and also east from Royal Street to Dauphine Street until further notice as the investigation is ongoing.”

“We ask our fans to join us in prayer for those injured and lost in this senseless act of violence. Those staying at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel are welcome to join us for the previously scheduled Mass there at 11 a.m. Otherwise, we ask that you join us in prayer from wherever you are.”

The incident reportedly occurred around 3:15 a.m. when people in New Orleans were still out celebrating New Year’s Eve. The FBI is now investigating with the injured being taken to five separate hospitals. At least one suspected improvised explosive device was also found at the scene.

The suspect of the attack is reportedly dead after the incident.

Despite the attack, there are currently no plans to delay or reschedule the Sugar Bowl, which is acting as a College Football Playoff quarterfinal, between Notre Dame and Georgia. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:45 p.m. EST. The winner will advance to play Penn State.

Sugar Bowl Committee releases statement on New Orleans ‘terrorist attack’ ahead of Wednesday’s game

Ahead of Wednesday’s game, the Sugar Bowl Committee and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Hundley released a statement on the attack.

“The Sugar Bowl Committee is devastated by the terrible events from early this morning,” Hundley’s statement read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We are in ongoing discussions with authorities on the local, state, and federal levels and will communicate further details as they become available.”