Tragic Vehicle Attack Claims British Life in New Orleans

The Foreign Office has reported that Edward Pettifer, a 31-year-old man from Chelsea, was among the fourteen individuals killed during a harrowing incident on New Year's Day in New Orleans, where a driver plowed through crowds in a pick-up truck.

A British national, Edward Pettifer, was tragically killed in a vehicle attack that left 14 dead in New Orleans on New Year's Day. The attack occurred on Bourbon Street when a man drove his truck through a crowd, leading to devastation as police responded. The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed the support for Mr. Pettifer's bereaved family.

In their statement, the family expressed their heartbreak, noting, "The entire family are devastated at the tragic news of Ed's death in New Orleans." They emphasized the loss felt by many and asked for privacy to grieve. Alongside Mr. Pettifer, a notable American college football player and a young mother were also among the deceased. Victims' families are now seeking answers following the violent event.

The suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Army veteran from Texas, carried out the attack at 3:15 AM, before being killed by police after stepping out of the vehicle and opening fire. The FBI indicated that a flag affiliated with the Islamic State was discovered in the truck, along with two improvised explosive devices nearby.

Authorities have reported that at least 39 others were injured in the carnage, with many still hospitalized, some in critical care. Witnesses described the scene as “horrific,” as the local community grapples with the aftermath of this premeditated attack. Bourbon Street has since reopened, ahead of a major college football game, but the shadow of this tragedy lingers over the vibrant and usually festive French Quarter.