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Georgia releases statement on Bourbon Street attack ahead of Sugar Bowl

On3 imageby:Jake Rowe•01/01/25•

JakeMRowe

Bourbon Street New Orleans Georgia Sugar Bowl.
Jan 1, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; A view down Bourbon Street showing a crashed white pickup truck (R) after an apparent attack during New Year's Eve celebrations in New Orleans. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY NETWORK

NEW ORLEANS — No members of the Georgia football program or athletic association were harmed in the early-morning attack on New Years. UGA released a statement around 11:30 a.m. CT on Wednesday announcing that the entire travel party is safe.

“We are deeply saddened by the senseless violence that occurred in New Orleans,” the statement reads. All team personnel and members of the official team travel party have been accounted for. Currently, we are in contact with local law enforcement as well as representatives from the Sugar Bowl and College Football Playoff and are continuing to gather more information. Our prayers are with all those who traveled here for the Sugar Bowl and entire New Orleans community.”

“Our prayers are with everyone involved in this horrific event, and we are here to support them in any way possible,” Josh Brooks, Georgia’s J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics, said. ” As a native Louisianian, I know how special this place is. The people of New Orleans and this entire community are resilient and will remain strong during this time of healing.”

According to multiple reports, a truck raced into the tourists on Bourbon Street around 3:15 a.m. CT, shortly after everyone had rang in the new year. A firefight ensued after the vehicle came to a stop with the suspect, Shamsud Din Jabbar, firing at first responders. The attack killed 10 and left 35 more people injured. Din Jabbar was killed by authorities.

According to UGA president Jere Morehead, who released a statement earlier, a Georgia student was injured in the incident.

“I am deeply saddened by the devastating attack in New Orleans overnight, and I extend my sincere condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this terrible tragedy,” Morehead said. At this point, we have learned that a University of Georgia student was critically injured in the attack and is receiving medical treatment. I have spoken to the student’s family and shared my concern, support and well wishes on behalf of the entire UGA community. I would like to express my gratitude to all the first responders who moved so quickly to help those affected by this senseless act of violence, as well as to the medical personnel who are caring for the injured. As we continue to hold the victims and their families in our thoughts and prayers, the University will do everything in its power to support those in our community who have been impacted by this unspeakable event.

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