The University of Notre Dame is asking fans in New Orleans ahead of the Sugar Bowl to “join us in prayer” after an apparent terrorist attack killed at least 10 people and injured more than 30 early Wednesday.
The statement shared on social media comes as thousands of college football fans traveled to the city for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game between the Fighting Irish and the Georgia Bulldogs.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish logo is on display on the end zone pylon during the CFP first round game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on December 20, 2024 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind. (Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“We are aware of this morning’s incident in New Orleans and are working with authorities and others to determine the full scope and impact of the tragedy,” the statement posted on X read.
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“We ask our fans to join us in praying for those injured and lost in this senseless act of violence.”
The university urged New Orleans residents to avoid surrounding areas. He also encouraged anyone interested to attend a mass the university is celebrating at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside hotel.
The FBI is investigating a suspected act of terrorism after a driver plowed into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 10 people and injuring at least 35 others. Police said the suspect died while exchanging gunfire with authorities.
Police investigate a crime scene on Bourbon Str. in New Orleans on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. A driver plowed into a crowd of New Year’s revelers and began firing a gun in the early morning hours. (Kat Ramirez for Pak Gazette Digital)
SUGAR BOWL OFFICIAL SPEAKS AFTER DEADLY BOURBON STREET ATTACK LEAVES AT LEAST 10 HOURS DEAD BEFORE START
The tragedy has raised security concerns ahead of the Sugar bowl, which is scheduled for Wednesday night at the Caesars Superdome, which is just a mile from the crime scene.
“The Sugar Bowl Committee is devastated by the terrible events that occurred early this morning,” Allstate Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We are in ongoing conversations with authorities at the local, state and federal levels and will communicate more details as they become available.”
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish take the field before their first round playoff game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Notre Dame Stadium on December 20, 2024 in South Bend, Indiana. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
New Orleans Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick indicated at a press conference this Wednesday that the game will continue as expected.
