Edward Pettifer, 31, from Chelsea, west London, has been identified as one of the 14 victims of the New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street, New Orleans. His family expressed their devastation over his death, describing him as "a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend to so many." Pettifer died from blunt force injuries when Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, allegedly drove his truck through crowds celebrating the new year, injuring dozens more.
The attack took place around 3 AM on January 1, 2025, and has been labeled as premeditated terrorism by the FBI. Jabbar's motivations are currently being investigated, especially his lengthy trip to Egypt and possible radicalization during his stay.
The preliminary report indicates the coroner confirmed the victims died from blunt force injuries, the same cause of death for the majority. Of the injured, at least 35 have been officially reported, and this number is expected to rise as more people seek medical help.
Witnesses described the chaos as Jabbar began the assault, stating they initially believed fireworks were being set off until the reality of the situation hit. The tragic event resulted not only in physical loss but also psychological trauma, with local workers expressing heightened anxiety about safety as they return to work.
Jabbar was reportedly inspired by ISIS and had previously posted videos expressing violent intent on social media. Following the attack, law enforcement gathered evidence, including bomb-making materials from Jabbar’s rental property, which he had set on fire, attempting to destroy evidence.
Authorities now face scrutiny over security measures on Bourbon Street, particularly the inadequacy of bollards installed to prevent vehicle attacks. A November 2019 report criticized the barriers, urging immediate improvements, which had not been completed by the time of the attack.
The city officials are now under pressure to answer how adequate preparations for public safety were made leading up to large events like the upcoming Super Bowl, especially with previous warnings being overlooked.
President Joe Biden addressed the nation following the incident, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance against such terrorist activities. The FBI continues to investigate the incident, exploring Jabbar's background and movements leading up to the attack.
This act of violence has drawn significant media attention, raising discussions surrounding the persistent threat posed by extremist groups and the potential for future attacks.
The international community is reacting with horror and condolences. The Foreign Office of the UK has been proactive, providing support to Pettifer's family during this dark time.
The coming days will be pivotal as authorities continue their investigations. The focus remains not only on healing the community and supporting the victims' families but also on ensuring safety measures are implemented effectively to prevent future tragedies.