Statement from Walt Leger III, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company, the official destination marketing and sales organization for the New Orleans tourism industry

Update: Friday, January 3, 2025 at 11:45 a.m. Central Standard Time

New Orleans & Company continues to send its deepest condolences to the loved ones and victims of the New Year's Day terrorist attack in our city. It is heartbreaking to learn the names, see the photos and hear the stories of the victims. We pray for the recovery of people who are injured and hospitalized, and for all those whose lives have been forever changed by this evil act.

Let us be clear: Millions of visitors are drawn to New Orleans - and hundreds of thousands of us chose to live and work here – because of our welcoming people and our beautiful, inclusive culture. New Orleans is uniquely Built to Host major events, meetings, and conventions, because of our world class venues, culture and walkability. Our preparation for upcoming events, and our community's spirit and resilience, will not be deterred by this horrific act. 

New Orleans shines brightly and is a unique light in the minds and imaginations of those around the country and the world. That light will not be dimmed by a single evil act.

Bourbon Street Re-Opens
Bourbon Street reopened on January 2, approximately 35 hours after the attack. City leaders and clergy held a solemn memorial service, placing 14 yellow roses, one for each victim. Musicians were present because of our tradition of jazz funerals, which use music to celebrate life and mourn death. The music starts somber, but shifts to a more celebratory tone as the ceremony progresses.

Businesses along Bourbon Street are now open and there was a steady crowd of people out last night. More than 80,000 people in our area make their living in the travel industry and cultural economy. We thank city leaders for the measured and respectful way they approached returning Bourbon Street to commerce. As we mourn, we move forward in optimistic defiance to preserve our way of life.
 
Allstate Sugar Bowl Successfully Held
Twenty hours after it was originally scheduled, the Allstate Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff Quarterfinal was held on January 2 at the Caesar's Superdome featuring the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Georgia Bulldogs. It was televised on ESPN. There was a moment of silence to acknowledge the terror attack. A jazz band led fans to the Caesars Superdome in a traditional New Orleans second line procession downtown.

We thank the Notre Dame and Georgia fans who were able to extend their stay in New Orleans in solidarity. We appreciate the Notre Dame and Georgia athletes, coaches, staff and others for their support. The Allstate Sugar Bowl has been held in New Orleans for 91 years (except 2006 when it relocated to Atlanta due to Hurricane Katrina) and is a tremendous partner and friend to this city. 

The Caesars Superdome team and law enforcement did a wonderful job and reinforced why New Orleans is Built to Host.

The Caesars Superdome has been the site of many triumphant, cathartic sports moments for our community, and the 91st Annual Sugar Bowl was no exception. We are honored and prepared to host Super Bowl LIX in that iconic building in 37 days.
 
How to Help

1) Provide the FBI with Tips: We encourage anyone who has information, photos or videos that may be helpful to the investigation, to please share it with the FBI at 1-800-callFBI or www.fbi.gov/bourbonstreetattack. The FBI reported that the suspect acted alone.

2) Give Blood
New Orleans EMS is partnering with The Blood Center to host a pair of emergency blood drives on Friday January 3 from 10 am – 5 pm at 2609 Canal Street. Other Blood Center locations in the region are also open with extended hours, which can be found here. 

Uber is offering free rides, up to $40 each way, to and/or from select blood donation center locations in Louisiana. To learn more, please click here.

3) Donate to Help the Survivors and Victims
• The Greater New Orleans Foundation has set up a fund to assist victims and survivors. To donate, please visit www.gnof.org.
• The United Way of Southeast Louisiana has set up the New Orleans Relief Fund to provide direct support to victims and their families. Donations will help cover medical expenses, funeral costs, trauma counseling, and more. To donate, please visit www.unitedwaysela.org/UnitedforNOLA

4) Come Visit
Even as we mourn, we are planning our rise. If you have a scheduled trip to New Orleans, or are attending an event, meeting or convention here, we encourage you to keep your plans. If you want to support our community, please plan a trip. We specialize in bringing people together and can not let fear win. The terrorist attack in New Orleans was an attack on all of America and our way of life.

As President Biden stated on January 1, "So many people around the world love New Orleans because of its history, its culture and, above all, its people. So I know while this person committed a terrible assault on the city, the spirit of our New Orleans will never, never, never be defeated. It always will shine forth. We've seen that time and time again throughout its history, and I know we'll see it again in the days and weeks ahead.”

Thanks and Unity
New Orleans & Company stands with our city, state and federal partners who are unified. We thank the New Orleans Police Department and all the regional, state, and federal law enforcement officials for their response and service. We particularly wish a speedy recovery to the two members of New Orleans Police Department who were injured as they bravely responded and saved countless lives.

We thank the thousands of our customers, colleagues, partners, and friends who have reached out from all over the world to express condolences and love for New Orleans. Your words have comforted and inspired us in an emotional time.  Thank you for affirming your affection and commitment to our great City.  As you look forward to being with us again, please know, we look forward to welcoming you with open arms.

We will continue to update www.neworleans.com/updates and our social channels at @visitneworleans and @neworleansandco.