Normal view

There are new articles available, click to refresh the page.
Before yesterdayMain stream

Brett Favre questions details of New Orleans attack, Trump Tower bombing: 'Hard to see what's real'

3 January 2025 at 18:35

NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre expressed confusion and skepticism about the details related to the deadly New Year's Day incidents in New Orleans and Las Vegas.

In an X post Friday, Favre asked followers "what's going on" with the terror attack in New Orleans that killed 14 and the Cybertruck bombing outside Trump Tower in Las Vegas that killed one.

"What’s going on with the New Orleans and Trump Hotel story? A lot of information and hard to sift through to see what’s real!" Favre wrote. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Many of Favre's followers responded, sharing similar skepticism. 

"Whatever the FBI says, believe the opposite!" one user wrote. 

Another user responded, advising Favre and others to "ignore the media." 

"None of it. Take in the event. Ignore the media," the user wrote. 

More details about the two attacks have emerged in recent days.

Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the man who plowed a rented pickup truck into New Year's revelers on New Orleans' Bourbon Street Wednesday, and Matthew Livelsberger, the man eyed in the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas hours later, were both Army soldiers who served at Fort Liberty and deployed to Aghanistan in 2009, Fox News Digital previously reported. 

Las Vegas, Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill said that while both men served in Afghanistan in 2009, any potential ties there were still under investigation

"We don't have any evidence that they were in the same province in Afghanistan, the same location or the same unit," McMahill said. "Again, something else that remains under investigation."

SUGAR BOWL'S CORPORATE SPONSOR CEO SLAMMED FOR 'ADDICTION TO DIVISIVENESS' STATEMENT AFTER TERROR ATTACK

A defense official told Fox News there was no evidence based on their military service that the attacks were related. While both men served at Fort Liberty, formerly Fort Bragg, they were there at different times. The North Carolina base is home to more than 50,000 service members. 

The FBI released surveillance images of the New Orleans attack that show Jabbar just about an hour before he allegedly sped a rented Ford pickup through a crowd of Bourbon Street revelers in an attack officials say was inspired by the Islamic State. 

More than 30 others were injured. Despite previously investigating the possibility of accomplices in the attack, the FBI said Thursday the bureau is confident Jabbar acted alone. 

The FBI recovered a black ISIS flag from Jabbar's rented pickup truck that was used for the attack. 

"This investigation is only a little more than 24 hours old, and we have no indication at this point that anyone else was involved in this attack other than Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar," FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia of the counterterrorism division at FBI headquarters said Thursday. 

"The FBI is surging people and assets to this area from across the region and across the nation. Special agents in field offices across the country are assisting with potential aspects of this investigation and following up on leads. Additional teams of special agents, professional staff and victim specialists continue to arrive to provide more investigative power and assistance to the victims and their families." 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Tommy Tuberville slams 'woke corporations bowing to terrorists' during Sugar Bowl after terror attack

3 January 2025 at 15:47

Alabama Senator and former college football coach Tommy Tuberville released a statement on Friday expressing his frustration with the presentation of the Sugar Bowl on Thursday, one day after a deadly terror attack in New Orleans killed at least 14 innocent people. 

Tuberville, who coached in three Sugar Bowls, including two as the head coach of Auburn, called out ESPN for not broadcasting the national anthem before the game and instead airing a controversial video message by Allstate CEO Tom Wilson, who urged Americans to "overcome addiction to divisiveness." 

"It was my distinct honor to have coached in three Sugar Bowls during my coaching career. American sports, and especially college football, have always been a patriotic tradition that brings ALL AMERICANS together. Unfortunately, ESPN (who is owned by Disney) gave in to the woke mob last night by REFUSING to air the National Anthem and instead played a video of the Allstate CEO talking about ‘divisiveness.’ Yet, he failed to condemn the terrorist who brutally killed [14+] people," Tuberville said.  

"This was a chance for us all to come together. But instead of honoring the innocent lives lost, these woke corporations bowed to terrorists."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Tuberville then referenced President-elect Trump's recent electoral victory as evidence that Americans are done with "woke ideology."

"November 5th was a mandate from the American people. Woke ideology lost. Get on board with America First or get out," Tuberville said. 

Notre Dame defeated Georgia 23-10, but much of the discussion during the game was centered on Wilson's controversial video statement. Allstate, the official corporate sponsor, and Wilson have come under fire across social media for the statement, and the video has since been deleted from official Allstate pages. 

SUPERDOME WELCOMES SUGAR BOWL FANS AFTER NEW ORLEANS TERROR ATTACK

Allstate provided a statement to Fox News Digital on the statement. 

"To be clear, Allstate CEO Tom Wilson unequivocally condemns this heinous act of terrorism and violence in all forms. We stand with the families of the victims, their loved ones and the community of New Orleans. The reference to overcoming divisiveness and negativity reflects a broader commitment to fostering trust and positivity in communities across the nation," the statement read.

The suspected attacker has been identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar. The FBI is working to determine Jabbar's "potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations," after an ISIS flag was found affixed to the truck.

Jabbar's younger brother told the New York Times that he and his Army veteran brother were raised Christian in Beaumont, Texas, before the now-deceased attacker converted to Islam as an adult.

"What he did does not represent Islam," the younger brother said. "This is more some type of radicalization, not religion."

Retired FBI agents Scott Duffey and Chris Swecker told Fox News Digital that Wednesday's attack could embolden ISIS, other terrorist groups or individuals who have been radicalized.

"This is a time where ISIS is under extreme stress and their existence is being threatened in Syria and elsewhere. It would make sense for them to double down on their message to radicalize Americans to put them into action and activate any cells that they have in place," Swecker said.

The attack in New Orleans came nearly two weeks after a suspected terror attack on a Christmas market in Germany and the same day that an explosion went off outside of Trump Tower in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

USA chants at Sugar Bowl following New Orleans terror attack represent a unified America, Saints star says

3 January 2025 at 10:22

New Orleans Saints star defensive end Cam Jordan was coming out of practice when the TV was turned on, and he heard the "U-S-A" chants at the Sugar Bowl.

The chants came from the crowd after the game was delayed a day due to the terror attack that took place on Bourbon Street in the early morning of New Year’s Day. There are at least 14 total victims killed with several more injured.

Jordan, 35, talked about what those chants meant to him when he joined "Fox and Friends" on Friday. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"New Orleans is a resilient city. For us to have the Sugar Bowl be delayed for a day, Mayor Cantrell went to Bourbon Street to set up a prayer before the game, then come out at the beginning of the Sugar Bowl as we were just coming off of practice, turn on the TV and hear the USA chants – you know exactly what this is about," Jordan said. 

"This is about us supporting each other, this is about America supporting each other, this is about understanding this is a tragedy, and we shall overcome. If anything, we understand that us as a city of New Orleans is backed by the rest of the country."

Jordan has spent his entire 14-year career with the Saints and has been a leader not only on the field, but off it as well. 

SAINTS' CAM JORDAN DONATES $25K TO NEW ORLEANS TERROR ATTACK VICTIMS RELIEF FUND

Jordan said he donated $25,000 to the New Year’s Day Tragedy Fund in a post on social media. 

"I mean honestly, I’m blessed enough to be in a position to where I can go ahead and give back. I mean when I think about the tragedy that happened on New Year's Eve, New Year's Day on Bourbon Street, when you know people are just out there trying to celebrate, have a good time, that stays at home. That’s our city," Jordan said.

"For as long as I’ve been here, I feel like I am a part of this city, and I’ve made it known that I love this place from the highs and the lows. So, when it comes to something like this, I just want to give back, make sure it was done the right way. I wanted to make sure that these victims would be helped, and the Greater New Orleans fund has clearly opened up a fund to do so."

Jordan is an eight-time Pro Bowler and a one-time All-Pro and has been an Iron Man, missing just two games over the course of his illustrious career.

This season, Jordan has four sacks with 33 total tackles with the Saints. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

FBI declines to say whether it will fire, discipline agent who said attack was 'not a terrorist event'

3 January 2025 at 07:31

The FBI has remained silent on whether it will fire or discipline the agent who initially told the media and public that the shocking New Year's Day attack in New Orleans was "not a terrorist event," before the agency quickly backtracked and reported the attack was in fact under investigation as a terror incident. 

Fox News Digital reached out to the FBI's press office and press secretary on Thursday and Friday, inquiring whether New Orleans field office FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan would face termination or disciplinary action over her initial claim the attack was not connected to terrorism, but did not receive replies. Fox Digital also called the FBI press office on Friday morning but could not leave a message regarding the inquiry as the voicemail box was full. 

After chaos unfolded on Bourbon Street early Wednesday morning as New Year's revelers celebrated the holiday, Duncan spoke during a press conference, declaring the attack was not connected to terrorism. 

"We'll be taking over the investigative lead for this event. This is not a terrorist event," Duncan said during the presser. 

FLASHBACK: BIDEN DOWNPLAYS ISIS THREAT TO US, REPEATEDLY SAYS WHITE SUPREMACY 'MOST LETHAL' DANGER

During that same press conference, however, the mayor of New Orleans told the media and public that the city did in fact suffer a terror attack. 

"Know that the city of New Orleans was impacted by a terrorist attack. It's all still under investigation," Mayor LaToya Cantrell, a Democrat who has served in the role since 2018, said at the presser. 

On Thursday, the FBI responded to Fox Digital's request for comment regarding criticisms surrounding Duncan's initial assessment that the attack was not connected to terrorism, detailing to Fox Digital that, on the day of the attack, the FBI released three different statements that all said that the FBI was investigating the incident as an act of terrorism. 

THE 6 BIGGEST FBI SCANDALS UNDER THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION

"This morning, an individual drove a car into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing a number of people and injuring dozens of others. The subject then engaged with local law enforcement and is now deceased. The FBI is the lead investigative agency, and we are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism," the FBI said in one of the statements provided to Fox Digital. 

Duncan also said in subsequent press conferences that the attack is being investigated as an act of terror. 

The FBI confirmed this week that the suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, had an ISIS flag in his truck at the time of the attack. The FBI added Thursday that Jabbar had been "inspired" by ISIS but that they have not found any evidence that he was directed by ISIS to carry out the rampage. 

Jabbar, a 42-year-old Army veteran from Texas, was killed after exchanging gunfire with police after plowing a truck through crowds of people. 

'WHEN THEY FAIL, AMERICANS DIE': TRUMP SOURCE BLASTS FBI, URGES SWIFT CONFIRMATION OF KASH PATEL AS DIRECTOR

Conservative lawmakers, Trump allies and voters have slammed the FBI for its handling of the investigation, including Republican Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn, arguing that the FBI has put a heightened focus on DEI practices rather than fighting crime. 

"The FBI has a no-fail mission. There is no room for error. When they fail, Americans die. It's a necessity that Kash Patel gets confirmed ASAP," a source close to President-elect Donald Trump added in criticism to Fox News Digital on Thursday morning.

'Radical' FBI practices on DEI 'endangered' Americans, Blackburn says in letter demanding answers from Wray

3 January 2025 at 06:47

FIRST ON FOX: Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn sent a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray on Friday demanding answers regarding the top federal law enforcement agency’s "radical" DEI practices following the shocking New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans.

"While the facts surrounding this unconscionable attack continue to emerge, what we know is deeply troubling: the suspect was in possession of weapons, improvised explosive devices, and an ISIS flag. This horrific incident constitutes a blatant act of terror on the American homeland, and the people of our country deserve to know whether federal law enforcement agencies can sufficiently prevent and respond to such incidents," Blackburn wrote in her letter to Wray on Friday, which was exclusively obtained by Fox News Digital. 

"To that end, I am deeply concerned that—under your leadership—the Bureau has prioritized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives over its core mission of protecting the American people," the Tennessee senator continued. 

Chaos broke out on New Orleans's famed Bourbon Street just after 3 a.m. on New Year’s Day, when a truck plowed through crowds of revelers celebrating the holiday. At least 14 people were killed and 30 others injured. 

FLASHBACK: BIDEN DOWNPLAYS ISIS THREAT TO US, REPEATEDLY SAYS WHITE SUPREMACY 'MOST LETHAL' DANGER

The suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a twice-divorced Army veteran from Texas, was armed with a Glock and a .308 rifle during the attack. He was killed after opening fire on police

After the attack unfolded on Wednesday morning, Blackburn took to social media to call for the confirmation of President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the FBI, Kash Patel, and to admonish current leadership at the agency for allegedly putting a greater focus on DEI practices than "fighting criminals and terrorists."

In her letter to Wray on Friday, Blackburn cited a recent report from a group of retired FBI agents who found "law enforcement and intelligence capabilities of the FBI are degrading because the FBI is no longer hiring ‘the best and the brightest’ candidates," as well as the hiring of a Chief Diversity Officer at the FBI in 2021, as well as the New Orleans field office hosting a "Diversity Agent Recruiting Event" in July as evidence of the agency’s heightened focus on DEI

"Most recently, in a striking example of tone deafness, the New Orleans FBI Field office thought it important to brag on X about how many bracelets its agents had collected. Your decision to prioritize politics, pop culture, or almost anything else over your mission to protect the public has put Americans in harm’s way, and the January 1 terror attack was the inevitable consequence," Blackburn wrote in her letter. 

THE 6 BIGGEST FBI SCANDALS UNDER THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION

"Put simply, your focus on woke DEI initiatives at the FBI has endangered our national security and the lives of all Americans. Americans now feel increasingly unsafe because of incidents like the January 1 terror attack, and the FBI’s prioritization of diversity over competence shows that their concerns are well founded. Fortunately, the American people have spoken, and President Trump will soon bring law and order back to our nation," Blackburn continued. 

'WHEN THEY FAIL, AMERICANS DIE': TRUMP SOURCE BLASTS FBI, URGES SWIFT CONFIRMATION OF KASH PATEL AS DIRECTOR

The FBI took the lead on the case Wednesday, first landing in hot water with Trump allies and voters, including for initially reporting to the public that the attack was not an instance of terrorism.

"We'll be taking over the investigative lead for this event. This is not a terrorist event," said New Orleans field office FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan during a Wednesday morning press conference. 

During that same press conference, however, the Democratic mayor of New Orleans contradicted Duncan’s comment and minced no words in detailing that the city faced an act of terror. 

When asked about Duncan's comment, the FBI directed Fox News Digital on Thursday to three press releases published the day before, detailing that the attack was being investigated as a terror incident. The press releases also detailed that an ISIS flag was found in the suspect’s truck. 

"This morning, an individual drove a car into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing a number of people and injuring dozens of others. The subject then engaged with local law enforcement and is now deceased. The FBI is the lead investigative agency, and we are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism," the FBI said in one of its three statements provided to Fox Digital. 

BIDEN BLASTED FOR CALLING ‘WHITE SUPREMACY’ ‘MOST DANGEROUS TERRORIST THREAT’ AT COLLEGE SPEECH: ‘PURE EVIL’

Blackburn continued in her letter to Wray with five questions surrounding the FBI’s DEI hiring practices, including: How many FBI employees have been hired based on the Bureau’s DEI initiatives; how the DEI initiatives are funded and if any of the FBI’s funds were reallocated to such initiatives; as well as how many individuals were hired during the New Orleans field office’s Diversity Agent Recruiting Event in July. 

NEW ORLEANS ATTACK: INVESTIGATION CONTINUES FOR POTENTIAL LINKS BETWEEN BOURBON STREET AND TRUMP HOTEL BOMBING

"Has the Bureau recently terminated the employment of any FBI agents who assist the FBI’s National Security Branch counterterrorism and intelligence components?" Blackburn asked in her final questions. "In the online posting about the July 17 event, FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Myrthil is quoted as stating that "the diversity of our staff is the most valuable resource we have in . . . keeping Americans safe." Do you agree with that statement?"

Wray announced that he would step down from the FBI at the end of President Biden’s term this month, after Trump nominated Kash Patel to the role. Wray was first nominated under the first Trump administration and was in the midst of a 10-year term that would not have ended until 2027. 

"Until the President-Elect’s nominee to lead the FBI is confirmed, the American people deserve to know the full extent to which your radical DEI agenda has compromised our national security," Blackburn wrote to Wray, calling on him to answer her questions by Jan. 10.

Sugar Bowl's corporate sponsor CEO slammed for 'addiction to divisiveness' statement after terror attack

2 January 2025 at 17:22

Allstate CEO Tom Wilson ignited a firestorm of backlash on social media Thursday with a video statement addressing Wednesday's terror attack in New Orleans that killed more than a dozen people. 

Wilson's statement came ahead of the Sugar Bowl, of which Allstate is the official corporate sponsor, after the game was postponed to Thursday due to the attack. In the video, Wilson suggested Americans have an "addiction to divisiveness" and must "accept people's imperfections and differences."

"Our prayers went to victims and their families. We also need to be stronger together by overcoming an addiction to divisiveness and negativity. Join Allstate working in local communities all across America to amplify the positive, increase trust and accept people's imperfections and differences. Together we win," Wilson says in the video. 

Wilson's words sparked outrage among social media users. The suspect has been identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar. The FBI is working to determine Jabbar's "potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations," after an ISIS flag was found affixed to the truck.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Political activist Charlie Kirk spoke out against Wilson for his comments amid Jabbar's suspected ties to ISIS. 

Sean Davis, CEO and co-founder of conservative magazine The Federalist, suggested it's time to cancel Allstate insurance plans. 

Sports content creator Jon Root spoke out against Wilson and mocked his comments. 

SUPERDOME WELCOMES SUGAR BOWL FANS AFTER NEW ORLEANS TERROR ATTACK

Injury lawyer Adam Loewy not only condemned Wilson's statement, he called out Allstate as a company in response to the controversy.

Other smaller social media users have expressed their own grievances and intent to end their insurance plans in response to Wilson.

"What was Allstate thinking with that statement[?] I have just canceled my policy and signed up with State Farm," one user wrote. 

"That limp-wristed Allstate commercial about the terrorist attack is just what I needed to know that I won’t give them my business," another wrote.

And one user even called the commercial "The worst, most ill-conceived of the college football season."

Allstate provided a statement to Fox News Digital in response to the backlash. 

"To be clear, Allstate CEO Tom Wilson unequivocally condemns this heinous act of terrorism and violence in all forms. We stand with the families of the victims, their loved ones and the community of New Orleans. The reference to overcoming divisiveness and negativity reflects a broader commitment to fostering trust and positivity in communities across the nation," the statement read.

Jabbar's younger brother told the New York Times that he and his Army veteran brother were raised Christian in Beaumont, Texas, before the now-deceased attacker converted to Islam as an adult.

"What he did does not represent Islam," the younger brother said. "This is more some type of radicalization, not religion."

Retired FBI agents Scott Duffey and Chris Swecker told Fox News Digital that Wednesday's attack could embolden ISIS, other terrorist groups or individuals who have been radicalized.

"This is a time where ISIS is under extreme stress and their existence is being threatened in Syria and elsewhere. It would make sense for them to double down on their message to radicalize Americans to put them into action and activate any cells that they have in place," Swecker said.

Days before the attack, a pro-ISIS outlet called on Muslims living in the U.S., Europe and Russia to conduct attacks on New Year’s Eve.

"Oh monotheists in Europe, America, Russia and other lands of the Crusaders, we know that you are eager to join your brothers in the land of Jihad, but the paths have been cut off for you," a translated version of the post read on Sunday. "The Crusaders are among you. Their security has been prolonged, and your brothers are being killed.

"The time has come to take out the swords from their sheaths and to hamstring the horses in their places that Allah loves and is pleased with," the post continued. "They are preparing for the feast of their polytheism, so turn their feast into mourning and their joy into a calamity."

The outlet asked Muslims, or "Crusaders," if they felt safe in their homes as their brothers and sisters were in detention centers and camps before calling on them to "repeat the attack on them and repeat the days of those who preceded you on this path."

The attack in New Orleans comes nearly two weeks after a suspected terror attack on a Christmas market in Germany.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

New Orleans attacker had 'remote detonator' for explosives in French Quarter, Biden says

2 January 2025 at 15:58

New Orleans attacker Shamsud-Din Jabbar acted alone and planted "remote detonator" explosives inside coolers in two nearby locations in the French Quarter, just a few hours before he drove a pickup truck at a high rate of speed into a crowd of people celebrating New Year's on Bourbon Street, President Biden said at a news conference Thursday.

"We have no information that anyone else was involved in the attack," Biden said during a news conference about his administration's 235 judicial confirmations. "They've established that the attacker was the same person who planted the explosives in those ice coolers in two nearby locations in the French Quarter, just a few hours before he rammed into the crowd with his vehicle. They assessed he had a remote detonator in his vehicle to set off those two ice chests."

NEW ORLEANS ATTACK: INSIDE BOURBON STREET TERRORIST'S HOUSTON HOME

Biden stated that federal agents are investigating potential links to the Las Vegas explosion, also probed as a terror attack, and urged them to "accelerate" their efforts. Fourteen people were killed, and Jabbar died in a shootout with police. 

"As of now, they've just been briefed," Biden said. "They have not found any evidence of such a connection thus far. I've directed them to keep looking." 

The FBI identified Jabbar as the driver who crashed a rented truck into a crowd of New Year's revelers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. The bureau told congressional lawmakers on Thursday that it had zero information about Jabbar prior to his attack. They also said that while Jabbar has said he was "inspired" by ISIS, investigators have not found any evidence that he was directed by ISIS.

INVESTIGATORS USE TATTOO, PHOTOS TO IDENTIFY SUSPECT BEHIND CYBERTRUCK EXPLOSION AT TRUMP HOTEL

New Orleans hospitals treated a total of 37 victims who were injured in Wednesday's attack. LCMC Health has not stated how many of those injured have since been discharged, nor has it clarified the condition of those still hospitalized.

Authorities had been investigating a potential military connection between Jabbar and the Las Vegas suspect, who law enforcement identified to The Associated Press as Matthew Livelsberger.

"As you know, there's also an FBI investigation in Las Vegas. We are following up on all potential leads and not ruling anything out," FBI Deputy Assistant Director of the Counterterrorism Division Christopher Raia told reporters Thursday. "However, at this point, there is no definitive link between the attack here in New Orleans and the one in Las Vegas."

Jabbar, a U.S. native born in Texas, had previously served in the U.S. military. Authorities are still investigating how and when he became radicalized.

Fox News Digital's Anders Hagstrom and Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.

Biden 'glad' Sugar Bowl being played after New Orleans terror attack

2 January 2025 at 13:37

President Biden sent a message to Americans before the Sugar Bowl between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish kicked off Thursday evening.

Biden’s message was broadcast on ESPN before the College Football Playoff quarterfinal. 

He offered his prayers for the victims in the New Orleans terror attack that left several people dead and dozens more injured.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"Today all of America stands with the people of New Orleans," Biden said. "We pray for those killed and injured in yesterday’s attack, and we’re grateful to the brave first responders who raced to save lives."

Biden said he was happy the game was back on after it was moved from Wednesday night to Thursday evening as officials swept the city for explosives after the attack.

"I’m glad the game is back on for today, but I’m not surprised because the spirit of New Orleans can never be kept down. That’s also true of the spirit of America. We just have to remember who we are. We’re the United States of America," he said.

LIVVY DUNNE, PAUL SKENES CELEBRATE NEW YEAR'S IN NEW ORLEANS HOURS BEFORE DEADLY TERROR ATTACK

"There’s nothing beyond our capacity when we're doing it together. God bless New Orleans, and God protect our troops."

Fans flocked to the Superdome earlier in the day in preparation for the game. Authorities opened Bourbon Street hours before the game.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said he was going to attend the game.

"Security is going to be tight," he said in an appearance on "Fox & Friends." "We have all confidence that we’re gonna put this game on. The Superdome is completely secure. Again, the FBI continues to pour resources into the state."

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Sugar Bowl kicks off after New Orleans terror attack

2 January 2025 at 13:11

The College Football Playoff quarterfinal game between No. 2 Georgia and No. 5 Notre Dame is underway in New Orleans more than a day after a deadly terror attack on Bourbon Street claimed the lives of at least 15 people and injured dozens more. 

The teams arrived at the Caesars Superdome, just a mile away from the crime scene in the French Quarter, for the Sugar Bowl on Thursday with heightened security after the FBI said a driver in a Ford pick-up truck plowed through a crowd of people in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day in what is being investigated as an act of terrorism. 

Law enforcement officials have ramped up security measures for Thursday’s Sugar Bowl after organizers made the decision to postpone the bowl game until Thursday in the best interest of public safety. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

New Orleans police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said in an interview with "TODAY" on Thursday that fans attending the game can expect to see as much security "if not more" than what was expected to be present at the Super Bowl next month. 

"We are in partnership with many other partners," Kirkpatrick said, via ESPN. "Both local, federal, military police, and so forth, will be here, and so we're going to have absolutely hundreds of officers and staff lining our streets, lining Bourbon Street, lining the French Quarter. So, we are staffing up at the same level, if not more so, than we were preparing for [the] Super Bowl."

The Superdome, the home of the New Orleans Saints, will host the championship game on Feb. 9. The city has been working for years on an infrastructure package that will increase safety in anticipation of the thousands of fans that will flock to the city next month. 

SUPERDOME WELCOMES SUGAR BOWL FANS AFTER NEW ORLEANS TERROR ATTACK

Local law enforcement, FBI personnel and trained canines have been deployed to the stadium out of an abundance of caution. 

Officials at a press conference on Thursday confirmed the suspect, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was working alone in the attack. 

The FBI found a potential improvised explosive device (IED), weapons and an ISIS flag in Jabbar’s vehicle after he was declared dead on the scene. Other potential IED’s were found and recovered by officials. 

The Sugar Bowl was initially scheduled for 8:45 p.m. ET, but was pushed to an earlier start time on Thursday at 4 p.m. ET. 

"Public safety is paramount," Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley said at a media briefing on Wednesday. "All parties all agree that it's in the best interest of everybody and public safety that we postpone the game."

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.


 

Livvy Dunne, Paul Skenes celebrate New Year's in New Orleans hours before deadly terror attack

2 January 2025 at 12:26

LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne and her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates star Paul Skenes, appeared to celebrate the New Year with friends in New Orleans the same night a Texas man drove a pick-up truck through a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing more than a dozen people in an act of terrorism. 

Dunne posted several images on her social media Wednesday indicating that the popular LSU couple had been in New Orleans before the tragic attack that took the lives of at least 14 people and injured two dozen more. 

Skenes and Dunne were also joined by Pirates prospect Bubba Chandler and his girlfriend. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Dunne posted another image to her Instagram Stories of Bourbon Street, which was draped with Georgia flags ahead of Wednesday’s Sugar Bowl. She posted the photo with an emoji of a broken heart but has not commented publicly on Wednesday’s attack. 

The suspect has been identified by police as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who was pronounced dead on the scene after exchanging gunfire with local law enforcement. 

BROTHER OF EX-COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYER KILLED IN NEW ORLEANS TERROR ATTACK LEADS TRIBUTES

The FBI is working to determine "the subject's potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations," after an ISIS flag was found in the truck. Weapons and a potential improvised explosive device (IED) were located inside the suspect's vehicle. 

Other potential IEDs were also found in the French Quarter, the Bureau added.  

Officials initially said other suspects might have been involved in the attack, but on Thursday the FBI clarified that they believe Jabbar acted alone. 

Wednesday's College Football Playoff quarterfinal between Georgia and Notre Dame was postponed in the wake of the fatal terror attack. Organizers agreed to push the game until the following day, with an earlier kickoff of 4 p.m. ET. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Superdome welcomes Sugar Bowl fans after New Orleans terror attack

2 January 2025 at 11:31

College football fans flocked to the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Thursday afternoon to get into the stadium ahead of the Sugar Bowl after it was postponed over a terror attack.

More than a dozen people were killed, and several more were injured, when Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street in the wee hours of New Year’s Day, officials said. The terror attack forced the postponement of the game between Georgia and Notre Dame.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

While some fans decided to go back home instead of attending the game, others were seen getting into the grounds around the Superdome and going through security.

Authorities opened Bourbon Street hours before the game.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said he was going to attend the game.

"Security is going to be tight," he said in an appearance on "Fox & Friends." "We have all confidence that we’re gonna put this game on. The Superdome is completely secure. Again, the FBI continues to pour resources into the state."

NOTRE DAME'S MARCUS FREEMAN TALKS TEAM MEETING AFTER SUGAR BOWL POSTPONED FOLLOWING TERROR ATTACK

Sugar Bowl officials said that pregame pageantry will begin at 2:15 p.m. CT with kickoff set for 3 p.m. CT. The pageantry starts with the national anthem, a Sugar Bowl light show and then performances by each school’s marching band.

"We remain stunned and saddened by the New Year’s Day tragedy in New Orleans," SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said in a post on X.

"We are also grateful for the work of so many to adjust and adapt to make a football game possible today for @GeorgiaFootball and @NDFootball."

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Ex-NFL star Antonio Brown launches fundraiser for New Orleans terror attack victims' families

2 January 2025 at 08:41

Former NFL star Antonio Brown launched a fund for the victims and their families of the terror attack that took place in New Orleans in the wee hours of New Year’s Day.

More than a dozen people were killed and several more were injured when the suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, drove a truck into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street. He was killed in a firefight with officers after the ramming and is believed to have been inspired by ISIS.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Brown launched the GoFundMe on Thursday with more than $3,500 raised in the first few hours.

"This has nothing to do with me and everything to do with helping the families who lost their loved ones in New Orleans," the fundraiser’s description read. "I will work with Gofundme to make sure any dollar raised is split between the 15 families who lost their loved ones on January 1st. Prayers."

Brown is not the only NFL figure to lend a helping hand to victims.

NEW ORLEANS POLICE OFFICIAL GIVES MESSAGE TO NFL FANS ON FENCE ABOUT ATTENDING SUPER BOWL LIX AFTER ATTACK

New Orleans Saints defensive end Cam Jordan donated $25,000 to a fund set up by the Greater New Orleans Foundation and the city of New Orleans.

"I am joining @GNOFoundation and the @CityOfNOLA by donating $25,000 to the New Year’s Day Tragedy Fund to support victims of the attack," Jordan wrote on X. "Please consider donating to assist the families of those who lost their lives and those who were severely injured."

The attack forced the postponement of the Sugar Bowl, which is now set to take place at the Caesars Superdome at 4 p.m. ET.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

'When they fail, Americans die': Trump source blasts FBI, urges swift confirmation of Kash Patel as director

2 January 2025 at 07:53

President-elect Donald Trump's allies are excoriating the FBI for its initial characterization of the brutal car attack in New Orleans as not terror-related, before the nation’s top federal law enforcement agency backtracked and launched a terrorism investigation allegedly connected to ISIS. 

"The FBI has a no-fail mission. There is no room for error. When they fail, Americans die. It's a necessity that Kash Patel gets confirmed ASAP," a source close to Trump told Fox News Digital on Thursday morning. 

Early Wednesday morning, chaos broke out on Bourbon Street in New Orleans as New Year’s Eve revelers partied on the streets. The suspect, later identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, is accused of ramming a truck into the crowds on the beloved and famed party street, killing at least 15 and injuring dozens of others. Jabbar, who was armed with a Glock and a .308 rifle, was killed after opening fire on police

As details filtered to the public on Wednesday morning, law enforcement officials, including the FBI, held a press conference where a special agent initially told the public that the attack was not related to terrorism. 

NEW ORLEANS ATTACK: SEARCH CONTINUES FOR BOURBON STREET 'PEOPLE OF INTEREST' AS STATE AG VOWS DEATH PENALTY

"We'll be taking over the investigative lead for this event. This is not a terrorist event," said New Orleans field office FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan during the press conference. 

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT VICTIMS OF NEW ORLEANS TERRORIST ATTACK

The mayor of New Orleans contradicted Duncan in the same press conference, declaring that the attack was connected to terrorism. 

"Know that the city of New Orleans was impacted by a terrorist attack. It's all still under investigation. You'll hear more after me," Mayor LaToya Cantrell, a Democrat who has served in the role since 2018, said at the presser. 

The FBI released statements later Wednesday outlining that the attack was now under investigation as an act of terror, including reporting that an ISIS flag was found on the truck that rammed into the crowds. 

"An ISIS flag was located in the vehicle, and the FBI is working to determine the subject's potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations," one FBI statement said. 

SUSPECT IDENTIFIED AS FBI INVESTIGATES ACT OF TERRORISM AFTER BOURBON STREET ATTACK

"The FBI is the lead investigative agency, and we are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism. We are aggressively running down all leads to identify any possible associates of the subject," the statement added. 

Conservative lawmakers decried the attack and mourned for the victims, while also directing their ire at the FBI for its alleged failures in handling the attack. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, a key Senate ally of Trump’s pick to lead the FBI, Kash Patel, slammed the FBI in a series of messages posted to X and again rallied support for Patel’s confirmation to serve as FBI director. 

OFFICIALS POSTPONE SUGAR BOWL IN  THE WAKE OF APPARENT TERROR ATTACK ON BOURBON STREET

"The tragic terror attack that killed innocent people in New Orleans is a stark reminder of the importance of strong leadership. America needs a fearless fighter like @Kash_Patel at the FBI," Blackburn posted on Wednesday

Blackburn also took issue with the FBI for allegedly reporting to the suspect’s home in Texas after the media had already staked out the property. 

"The FBI didn’t show up to the NOLA suspect’s address until 1pm today. We were on scene before. No one came out of the home or answered the door," New York Post reporter Jennie Taer posted to X on Wednesday. 

Blackburn responded to the Post reporter, saying that the FBI had "failed" its mission as the nation’s top law enforcement agency. 

"The fact that a reporter has better intel than the FBI tells us all we need to know. The FBI has failed its core mission," Blackburn posted. 

WHO IS KASH PATEL? TRUMP'S PICK TO LEAD THE FBI HAS LONG HISTORY VOWING TO BUST UP 'DEEP STATE'

When approached for comment on the criticisms, the FBI directed Fox Digital to its three previous statements on the attack that described it as an act of terror but did not comment on the New Orleans’ agent saying Wednesday that the attack was not connected to terrorism. 

"This morning, an individual drove a car into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing a number of people and injuring dozens of others. The subject then engaged with local law enforcement and is now deceased. The FBI is the lead investigative agency, and we are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism," the FBI said in one of its three statements provided to Fox Digital. 

Jabbar was identified as a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas. He was an Army veteran who served as a human resource specialist and information technology specialist from March 2007 until Jan. 2015, and he deployed to Afghanistan from Feb. 2009 to Jan. 2010.

Trump slammed President Biden and his administration’s policies for the attack. 

TRUMP FBI PICK KASH PATEL SHOULD TAKE THESE CONCRETE STEPS TO RESTORE TRUST: FORMER SPECIAL AGENT

"With the Biden ‘Open Border’s Policy’ I said, many times during Rallies, and elsewhere, that Radical Islamic Terrorism, and other forms of violent crime, will become so bad in America that it will become hard to even imagine or believe. That time has come, only worse than ever imagined. Joe Biden is the WORST PRESIDENT IN THE HISTORY OF AMERICA, A COMPLETE AND TOTAL DISASTER," Trump posted to Truth Social. 

Biden mourned the attack on Wednesday, highlighting that despite the violence, "our New Orleans will never, never, never be defeated."

"New Orleans is a place unlike any other place in the world," the president said. "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."

"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," he added.

Brother of ex-college football player killed in New Orleans terror attack leads tributes

2 January 2025 at 07:33

The brother of former Princeton Tigers football player Tiger Bech reacted to his death on Wednesday after he was identified as one of the victims in the New Orleans terror attack.

Jack Bech, a wide receiver who plays for TCU and was on the LSU Tigers’ roster, posted a heartfelt message to his brother on X.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"Love you always brother ! You inspired me everyday now you get to be with me in every moment. I got this family T, don’t worry. This is for us," he wrote.

Tiger Bech was one of the 15 people killed in the terror attack that took place on Bourbon Street in the wee hours of New Year’s Day.

The New Orleans native played for Princeton from 2016-2018 and was an All-Ivy League kick returner. During his three-year career, he caught 53 passes for 825 yards with three touchdowns. 

He graduated from the university in 2021 and pursued a career in finance. He was working as a stockbroker in New York City but traveled back home to Louisiana for the holidays.

NEW ORLEANS POLICE OFFICIAL GIVES MESSAGE TO NFL FANS ON FENCE ABOUT ATTENDING SUPER BOWL LIX AFTER ATTACK

Both Bechs played high school football at St. Thomas More.

"Tiger was one of a kind," St. Thomas More Principal Marty Cannon told NOLA.com. "I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone that could do things on a football field that Tiger could do. I’ve seen a lot of good ones at St. Thomas and I’ve seen a lot when I was playing college football.

"Tiger could do things that were just unexplainable for that body type and that short stature, but all that power."

Trevor Begue, who played with Bech at high school, told the paper he saw the player on Monday and talked about the younger Bech.

"He was a great player and a great person. We all looked up to him. He was the leading receiver in that room," Begue said, adding that he was a "humble guy."

The investigation into the terror attack is ongoing.

Fox News’ Jackson Thompson contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

New Orleans police official gives message to NFL fans on fence about attending Super Bowl LIX after attack

2 January 2025 at 06:07

New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick had a message for those who were on the fence about attending Super Bowl LIX next month in the wake of a terror attack in the city.

Kirkpatrick told Fox News contributor Ted Williams during "Fox & Friends" on Thursday that football fans should still plan on coming to the big game on Feb. 9.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"They should plan on coming," Kirkpatrick said. "Like the Sugar Bowl today will be held this afternoon. We here in New Orleans have proven time in and time out that we can provide safe environments. Look at Taylor Swift (concert) that was just a few weeks ago – incredible environment of fun, incredible environment where they can some and know they’re safe. We have plans.

"This is a terrorist. The terrorist is going to be hellbent no matter what, to create carnage and to destroy, but we as a city and as a law enforcement community have already proven over time that we can handle and manage these large crowds."

Kirkpatrick vowed to correct any lapse in security in preparation for the NFL’s biggest day of the year.

GEORGIA, NOTRE DAME FANS MAKE SUGAR BOWL DECISION AS GAME IS POSTPONED OVER TERROR ATTACK

"The Super Bowl is still in play," she added. "We are going to harden our target. We will correct any kind of gaps that there have been – those will be corrected. And you will see today, you will experience today, what we can do."

The NFL said it still believed fans would experience a safe Super Bowl.

"We are deeply saddened by the news of the devastating incident in New Orleans," the NFL said in a statement on Wednesday.

"The NFL and the local host committee have been working collaboratively with local, state and federal agencies the past two years and have developed comprehensive security plans," the statement continued. "We are confident attendees will have a safe and enjoyable Super Bowl experience."

The Superdome was the host of the Super Bowl after the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Saints' Cam Jordan donates $25K to New Orleans terror attack victims relief fund

2 January 2025 at 05:59

New Orleans Saints star defensive end Cam Jordan donated to a victims' fund of those affected by the terror attack that took place on Bourbon Street in the wee hours of New Year’s Day.

Jordan wrote on social media that he donated $25,000 to the New Year’s Day Tragedy Fund.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"I am joining @GNOFoundation and the @CityOfNOLA by donating $25,000 to the New Year’s Day Tragedy Fund to support victims of the attack," Jordan wrote on X. "Please consider donating to assist the families of those who lost their lives and those who were severely injured."

The Greater New Orleans Foundation set the fund up in the wake of the terror attack that took place in the city.

"The Greater New Orleans Foundation joins the City of New Orleans and fellow community partners to launch the New Orleans New Year’s Day Tragedy Fund to assist the victims and survivors of the 2025 New Year’s Day mass casualty incident," the description of the fund reads.

FORMER PRINCETON FOOTBALL PLAYER TIGER BECH KILLED IN NEW ORLEANS ATTACK

"At around 3:15 a.m. on New Year’s Day, a man driving a white pickup truck plowed into crowds on Bourbon Street as revelers were gathered in the aftermath of New Year's Eve celebrations. The FBI is now investigating the mass-casualty incident as a terroristic act."

At least 15 people were killed, and several others were injured in the attack.

The attack forced the postponement of the Sugar Bowl, which is now set to take place at the Caesars Superdome at 4 p.m. ET.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Louisiana gov will attend Sugar Bowl, vows Superdome is 'completely secure'

2 January 2025 at 05:50

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said Thursday he will attend the Sugar Bowl between the Georgia Bulldogs and Notre Dame Fighting Irish after a terror attack left over a dozen dead in New Orleans.

The game was moved from Wednesday night to Thursday evening after the terror attack. The game is now set to kick off at around 4 p.m. ET.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Landry appeared on "Fox & Friends" and vowed security would be tough.

"Security is going to be tight," he said. "We have all confidence that we’re gonna put this game on. The Superdome is completely secure. Again, the FBI continues to pour resources into the state."

Landry’s comments came as authorities sought persons of interest in relation to Shamsud-Din Jabbar’s attack on Bourbon Street. He was the suspect who drove a truck into a crowd before being killed in a firefight with police officers.

SUGAR BOWL SECURITY BEEFED UP TO SUPER BOWL LEVELS, OFFICIAL SAYS

The attack left 15 dead and several others injured.

Jabbar had posted videos to social media prior to his attack expressing allegiance to the Islamic State. The FBI's investigation has now spread across multiple states, though the number of potential persons of interest remains unknown. 

"FBI special agents and our law enforcement partners are currently conducting a number of court-authorized search warrants in New Orleans and other states," the bureau said in a statement. "The FBI's Evidence Response Team continues to process the crime scene to meticulously gather all relevant evidence."

The FBI said it does not believe the driver acted alone. Investigators found guns and what appeared to be an improvised explosive device inside Jabbar's truck along with other devices elsewhere in the French Quarter.

Fox News’ Anders Hagsstrom contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Louisiana attorney general says Sugar Bowl should be delayed to Friday after attack prompts postponement

1 January 2025 at 17:54

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill weighed in on the postponement of the Sugar Bowl game after a deadly attack in New Orleans on Wednesday.

Murrill told NBC News that she believes the game should be postponed to Friday. The game has been pushed back just one day to Thursday afternoon so far. 

"Not my decision, but I would like to see it delayed at least another day. If they asked my opinion, I would tell them that," Murrill said. "I think that it was wise to delay it at least a day. This is an active crime scene, and they just finished removing some of the bodies, and they still haven't removed all of them. I still think we need to wait an extra day."

Murrill added that she believes the community is "safe," regardless. The number of victims killed in the Bourbon Street attack has risen to 15, Fox News has learned.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The game is currently set to be played less than 24 hours later than its initial start time, despite the attack. The Allstate Sugar Bowl organization announced that the game will start at 3 p.m. local time (4 p.m. ET) on Thursday. The game was initially set to kick off on 8:45 p.m. ET on Wednesday night, and earlier reports indicated the game would be postponed 24 hours. 

The Superdome is located just a mile away from the site of Wednesday morning’s deadly attack. Georgia and Notre Dame arrived in New Orleans on Sunday and were reportedly staying in hotels just blocks away from the crime scene. According to reports, both schools implemented a "shelter in place" order for their teams. 

According to a statement from the FBI, a man driving a Ford pickup truck drove into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street at around 3:15 a.m. local time. The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, exchanged gunfire with local law enforcement before being pronounced dead at the scene. 

The FBI is currently working to determine "the subject's potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations," after an ISIS flag was found in the truck. Weapons and a potential IED were located inside the suspect's vehicle, and other potential IEDs were also located in the French Quarter. 

New Orleans FBI's Alethea Duncan noted during a press conference on Wednesday that the FBI does not believe that Din Jabbar was "solely responsible" for the act. 

NOTRE DAME CALLS ON FANS TO 'JOIN US IN PRAYER’ FOLLOWING APPARENT TERROR ATTACK AHEAD OF SUGAR BOWL

The decision to postpone the game just one day after the attack prompted mixed responses from fans and pundits on social media. 

Conservative commentator John Ziegler also expressed disagreement with the postponement in a post on X.

"This is wrong. Postponing the Sugar Bowl one day will not do anything to bring back those who lost their lives, or make the game any safer. In fact, [it] gives the terrorists exactly what they wanted. We have become SO soft as a society in nearly every way," Ziegler wrote. 

"The ‘you can never be too safe’ people seem to pretend that there are no residential costs for postponing an event of the magnitude of the Sugar Bowl. Tens of thousands of people have traveled to New Orleans with no hotel for tomorrow night, or flight reservations for Friday."

Meanwhile, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy disagreed with those who have criticized postponing the game, insinuating that those people are "idiots." 

"Ok so it is postponed. And the people saying moving it 24 hours lets the terrorist win are idiots. It’s [one] day. Secure the area. Do what ya gotta do. Delaying a game 24 hours isn’t letting them win," Portnoy wrote on X.

Allstate Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley released a statement sending thoughts and prayers to all the victims of the attack, while thanking those who have accommodated the new start time. 

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families as we work through this," said Jeff Hundley, the chief executive officer of the Allstate Sugar Bowl. "We have full faith and confidence in the governor and the mayor and all the federal, state, and local first-responders that they've applied to this horrific event. Any time we have an event like the Sugar Bowl, public safety is paramount, and all parties involved agree that could only be achieved with a postponement. Now we will move ahead to take care of the details to make the Sugar Bowl the first-class, fun, and safe event that it has been for over 90 years."
 
"On behalf of the College Football Playoff, we are devastated by this morning's attack, and our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy," said Rich Clark, the executive director of the College Football Playoff. "We are grateful to the leadership of the Sugar Bowl, New Orleans, the State of Louisiana and federal authorities as we work together to ensure we can provide a safe environment for everyone. We are also appreciative of ESPN's flexibility in moving the game to tomorrow afternoon."

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

SEC commissioner speaks out on Sugar Bowl postponement amid New Orleans attack as fans, pundits weigh in

1 January 2025 at 14:06

Wednesday's Sugar Bowl game between Georgia and Notre Dame was postponed following the deadly attack in New Orleans, which killed at least 10 people.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sanky released a statement saying the decision was made in the best interest of public safety

"The decision to postpone tonight's Sugar Bowl was made in the best interest of public safety. Lives were tragically lost last night and we are appreciative that public officials and law enforcement agencies continue to work with great diligence to ensure the safety of the New Orleans community," Sankey said. 

The University of Notre Dame and president Robert A. Dowd released a statement, praying for the safety of those impacted. 

The University of Georgia president Jere W. Morehead put out a statement as well. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The FBI is currently working to determine "the subject's potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations," after an ISIS flag was found in the truck. Weapons and a potential IED were located inside the suspect's vehicle and other potential IEDs were also located in the French Quarter. 

Some college football fans and pundits on social media were divided about the decision to postpone the game in the wake of the tragedy. Some fans have agreed with the decision to postpone the game, while others expressed outrage.

Fox Sports panelist Rachel Nichols expressed support for the postponement in a post on X. 

"Glad the Sugar Bowl is being postponed. That’s the right call. Sending love to everyone in New Orleans," Nichols wrote. 

However, one X user responded to Nichols disagreeing, suggesting the postponement would "let the terrorists win." 

"I respectfully disagree. Postponing means the people behind this callous attack win. Let’s not let them win. We should not kowtow to them no matter how extreme they are," the user wrote. 

Conservative commentator John Ziegler also expressed disagreement with the postponement in a post on X. 

"This is wrong. Postponing the Sugar Bowl one day will not do anything to bring back those who lost their lives, or make the game any safer. In fact, if gives the terrorists exactly what they wanted. We have become SO soft as a society in nearly every way," Ziegler wrote. 

"The ‘you can never be too safe’ people seem to pretend that there are no residential costs for postponing an event of the magnitude of the Sugar Bowl. Tens of thousands of people have traveled to New Orleans with no hotel for tomorrow night, or flight reservations for Friday."

NOTRE DAME CALLS ON FANS TO 'JOIN US IN PRAYER’ FOLLOWING APPARENT TERROR ATTACK AHEAD OF SUGAR BOWL

Another X user responded to Zieglier, suggesting that postponing the Sugar Bowl would allow law enforcement more room to track down other potential targets in the area. 

"Reasons this is not wrong: allows more time to catch the bad guys who may be looking for another soft target; also allows 24 hours for grief and shock to be felt In honor of a somber day and those lives lost," the user wrote, to which Ziegler responded, "Yeah, no."

Meanwhile, WKRG sports journalist Simone Eli lambasted those who are complaining about the game being postponed, citing reports of other potential explosives in the city. 

"People upset about the Sugar Bowl being postponed and it "giving power" to whomever — might want to go check out the reports of bombs being found and detonated throughout the city of New Orleans. Football can wait. Nothing is worth losing more lives. Won’t argue," Eli wrote on X. 

The postponement follows reports that the Superdome, the home of the New Orleans Saints, was initially placed on lockdown for security sweeps and that people with offices inside the stadium were told not to come on site until further notice. 

New Orleans FBI's Alethea Duncan noted during a press conference on Wednesday that the FBI does not believe that the main suspect in the attack, Shamsud Din Jabbar was "solely responsible" for the act. Police have warned that there could be further danger in the city. 

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy also called out those who have criticized postponing the game.

"Ok so it is postponed. And the people saying moving it 24 hours lets the terrorist win are idiots. It’s [one] day. Secure the area. Do what ya gotta do. Delaying a game 24 hours isn’t letting them win," Portnoy wrote on X.

According to a statement from the FBI, a man driving a Ford pickup truck drove into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street at around 3:15 local time. The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, exchanged gunfire with local law enforcement before being pronounced dead on the scene. 

At least 10 people have been killed and 35 more injured as a result of the apparent terror attack. 

The Superdome is located just a mile away from the site of Wednesday morning’s deadly attack. 

Georgia and Notre Dame arrived in New Orleans on Sunday and were reportedly staying in hotels just blocks away from the crime scene. According to reports, both schools have implemented a "shelter in place" for the teams. 

Fox News Digital's Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

❌
❌