The New Orleans Saints and NFL step up with a $1 million donation to support victims of the tragic Bourbon Street attack, uniting a community in grief.
At a Glance
- New Orleans Saints and NFL donate $1 million to aid victims of Bourbon Street attack
- Saints owner Gayle Benson contributes $500,000, matched by NFL Foundation
- Attack resulted in 14 deaths and 35 injuries, classified as terrorism by FBI
- Donations to support local organizations aiding victims and families
- NFL to hold moment of silence before each league game this weekend
Saints and NFL Unite in Support
In a powerful display of community solidarity, the New Orleans Saints and the National Football League have joined forces to provide substantial support for the victims of the recent Bourbon Street attack. The organizations have announced a combined donation of $1 million to aid those affected by the tragic New Year’s Day incident that shook the city to its core.
Saints owner Gayle Benson has pledged $500,000, with the NFL Foundation matching this amount. The funds will be channeled through the Greater New Orleans Foundation and United Way to ensure effective distribution to local organizations directly assisting victims and their families. This generous contribution exemplifies the deep-rooted connection between the Saints organization and the New Orleans community.
The New Orleans Saints and the NFL will donate $1 million to the victims of the Bourbon Street attack that killed 14 people on New Year's Day, the team announced on Saturday. https://t.co/jwkkOEkVHi
— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 6, 2025
A City in Mourning
The attack on Bourbon Street, a vibrant symbol of New Orleans’ culture, left 14 dead and 35 injured. The FBI has classified the incident as an act of terrorism, linking the perpetrator, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, to the Islamic State. Jabbar, a 42-year-old Texas man, drove into a crowd on the iconic street before being killed in a gunfire exchange with authorities.
“Our hearts go out to all those affected by the tragic events in New Orleans. The NFL is committed to standing with the resilient community of New Orleans during this difficult time,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said.
The victims hailed from various regions, including local areas, other parts of the United States, and even the United Kingdom, underscoring the global impact of this tragedy. In response, the NFL has announced it will hold a moment of silence before each league game this weekend to honor the victims, further emphasizing the sports community’s solidarity with New Orleans.
Community Response and Healing
The response from the New Orleans community has been swift and heartening. A vigil held on Bourbon Street transformed into a celebration of life, complete with a brass band, embodying the indomitable spirit of the city. The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office has released the names of the victims, with the final victim identified during the vigil, providing closure to grieving families and friends.
National Response and Support
The act of generosity is not isolated. Other notable contributions include a $100,000 donation from Pelicans forward Zion Williamson and $25,000 from Saints defensive end Cam Jordan to the GNOF’s Tragedy fund. These gestures highlight the sports community’s commitment to supporting their city in times of crisis.
The tragedy has drawn national attention, with President Joe Biden condemning the attack and praising the resilience of New Orleans. The President and First Lady Jill Biden have announced plans to visit the city to support the affected community, underlining the gravity of the situation and the nation’s solidarity with New Orleans.
“New Orleans is a place unlike any other place in the world. It’s a city full of charm and joy. So many people around the world love New Orleans because of its history, its culture, and, above all, its people,” President Biden remarked.
