As we reported, it’s a tragic story: a madman inspired by ISIS drove a truck down Bourbon Street at high speed on New Year’s Day, killing 14 people and injuring many more. Investigators continue to uncover new details about the attack and his plan as they try to understand what happened and why someone could be so insane and violent.
There was some good news on Sunday. It won’t bring back the lost lives, it hopefully will help recovering victims and grieving families:
The New Orleans Saints (NFL Foundation) and the National Football League Foundation (NFL), announced that they will donate $1 million to help victims of the Bourbon Street Truck Attack on New Year’s Day.
The NFL Foundation announced that it would match Saints owner Gayle Benjamin’s $500,000 donation, bringing the total contribution to $1,000,000.
The Saints encouraged people before to donate to the fund that supports families.
“While our hearts may be heavy, the defiant spirit of New Orleans will never be defeated,” – Gayle Benson ❤️
100 percent of all donations to the @GNOFoundation fund will directly support the families impacted by the New Year’s Day tragedy 🙏
Donate: https://t.co/k3ZbeiWD7s pic.twitter.com/JKHI3mFBJB
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 3, 2025
Cam Jordan, Saints defensive lineman, had announced that he too would be contributing.
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. Please consider donating to assist the families of those who lost their lives and those who were severely injured.
Donate to help those… pic.twitter.com/wEV9MXiMFe
— Cam Jordan (@camjordan94) January 2, 2025
After the attack, heavy security was implemented and the Sugar Bowl was moved from Wednesday to Thursday. Despite some unfortunate moments, the game went off without violence.
Saints and the NFL released statements regarding the donation.
Benson, in a press release, said: “Our community has suffered an unimaginable loss and we are all brokenhearted as we grieve for the victims and the survivors of New Year’s Day’s terror attack in New Orleans.”
As a league, we compete at the highest level and share fierce rivalries. We share victories and losses with our staff and players, who work tirelessly to achieve our goals. We are united through football and stand together against hatred. Benson added, “We will defeat terror and fear by a purpose and unwavering determination rooted in love, compassion, and kindness.
Benson stated that the NFL and the Greater New Orleans Foundation are working together with United Way and the NFL to ensure the most effective delivery of funds to the victims.
In a press release, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated, “Our hearts go out to those who have been affected by the tragic incidents in New Orleans.” “The NFL stands with the resilient New Orleans community during this difficult period.”
It’s good to see people in the community helping out.
Super Bowl XLVII will be held at the Superdome in New Orleans on Sunday, February 9th.
