The NFL has taken steps to assure fans that Super Bowl LIX will be a “safe and enjoyable experience” following Wednesday's terrorist attack in New Orleans.
The Louisiana city has been devastated by the fatal attack that occurred early Wednesday morning, which claimed the lives of 15 people and left 35 injured after a terrorist rammed a vehicle into a large crowd celebrating the New Year in Bourbon Street.
Driver Shamsud Din Jabbar, who was killed in a shootout with police, plowed into the group at high speed before getting out and firing a gun, witnesses said. Investigators also found what appeared to be improvised explosives at the crash site that did not detonate.
The attack in New Orleans comes just under six weeks before the city hosts this year's Super Bowl on Feb. 9, raising concerns among NFL fans ahead of the 2025 showpiece.
However, in a statement regarding the horrific events that took place on Bourbon Street, the league emphasized that Super Bowl LIX will remain a safe event at the Caesars Superdome after two years of “comprehensive safety plans” were put together.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of the devastating incident in New Orleans,” a statement from the NFL said. 'Our thoughts are with the victims, the New Orleans community and all those affected.
The NFL has assured fans that Super Bowl LIX will be a “safe and enjoyable experience.”
New Orleans was devastated by a fatal terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 15 people after a terrorist drove a vehicle into a large crowd celebrating the New Year.
'The NFL and the local host committee have been working collaboratively with local, state and federal agencies for the past two years and have developed comprehensive safety plans. “These planning sessions will continue as they do with all major NFL events and we are confident that attendees will have a safe and enjoyable Super Bowl experience.”
The FBI said the driver of the vehicle was Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran from Texas. They are investigating the massacre “as an act of terrorism” and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell called it a “terrorist attack.”
An ISIS flag and weapons were found inside the vehicle, as the FBI continues to evaluate Jabbar's connection to the terrorist group.
Firearms and pipe bombs were found in the suspect's vehicle, according to the State Police bulletin.
The devices were hidden inside refrigerators and wired for remote detonation with a remote control that was also found in the vehicle, according to the bulletin.
Among the 15 fatalities was former college football player Tiger Bech, 28, who was rushed to a local hospital after being hit by the vehicle before remaining on a life support machine until his death. family could arrive.
Numerous tributes have poured in for the former Princeton wide receiver, including from his younger brother Jack, a standout wide receiver at Texas Christian University.
Jack, 22, quoted a post on X announcing Tiger's death and wrote: 'I will always love you bro! You inspired me every day now you can be with me every moment.
'I have this T family, don't worry. This is for us.'