Following a tragic incident in New Orleans on New Year’s, where a terrorist suspect drove a car into a large crowd, grieving family and friends have been endeavoring to identify the increasing number of victims.
The suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was “hell-bent on creating the carnage and damage that he did,” New Orleans police chief Anne Kirkpatrick said.
“It was very intentional behavior,” the superintendent of police said. “This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could.”
At least 15 people were killed in the Wednesday morning suspected terrorist attack, and dozens others injured, the FBI said.
Dr. Dwight McKenna, the New Orleans Coroner, announced late Wednesday that the names of the deceased will be made public once the autopsies have been conducted and discussions have taken place with their closest relatives.
Expressing his sentiments, Usher shared, “She was an exceptional mother,” as he initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with Perez’s funeral expenses and to provide support for her child who will require assistance in transitioning to a new living arrangement.
Reggie Hunter was identified as one of the victims in the Bourbon Street attack on Jan. 1, 2025. (Reggie Hunter via Facebook)
Reggie Hunter, 37
Reggie Hunter, 37, had gotten off work and headed to Bourbon Street on a whim to ring in 2025, his cousin, Shirell Jackson, told Nola.com.
“They decided to go out there because he came in from work and said, ‘Hey, the Sugar Bowl is tomorrow. It’s New Year’s Eve. Let’s go to the city,'” Jackson told the outlet. “Just something so simple. ‘Hey cuz, wanna ride me to the city?'”
Hunter died from his injuries, Jackson said. Jackson was one of the dozens injured in the attack.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
