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REPORT: Sugar Bowl 'expected to go on' with final word still to come

On3 imageby:Jake Rowe•01/01/25•

JakeMRowe

Georgia Sugar Bowl
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart during the 2025 Allstate Sugar Bowl head coach press conference at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel in New Orleans, La., on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. (Conor Dillon/UGAAA)

NEW ORLEANS — Multiple New Orleans city officials expect the Sugar Bowl to be played as scheduled according to a report from NOLA.com and other outlets. Official word is expected as soon as 1 p.m. CT when the city holds a press conference to update the public on the Bourbon Street terrorist attack early Wednesday morning.

New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno WWL-TV that the game “is still expected to go on.” The city’s police department superintendent, Anne Kirkpatrick, tells the Associated Press that the game is likely to be played with heightened security measures in place.

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.

Georgia releases statements…

“We are deeply saddened by the senseless violence that occurred in New Orleans. 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.” – Georgia Athletic Association

“Our prayers are with everyone involved in this horrific event, and we are here to support them in any way possible. 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.” – J. Reid Park Director of Athletics Josh Brooks

“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. 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.” – UGA president Jere Morehead

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