It’s a heartbreaking story, as we’ve reported: an ISIS-inspired madman drove a truck at high speeds down Bourbon Street in New Orleans on New Year’s, killing 14 victims and injuring dozens. New details about the attacker and his plot continue to come in as investigators try to piece together what happened and what could drive someone to this level of insanity and hate.
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But there’s a little good news to report Sunday, and while it won’t bring back the lost lives, it hopefully will help recovering victims and grieving families:
The New Orleans Saints and the National Football League (NFL) Foundation announced they would donate a combined $1 million to support relief efforts for victims of the Bourbon Street truck attack on New Year’s Day.
Saints owner Gayle Benson and her team announced they would donate $500,000, and the NFL Foundation said it would match that amount, bringing the total relief contribution to $1 million.
The Saints had previously encouraged people to donate to a fund to support the 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
Saints defensive end Cam Jordan had also announced he 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
The Sugar Bowl, scheduled for Wednesday at Caesars Superdome, was moved to Thursday, January 2, after the attack and heavy security was put into place. The game was able to be played without any violent events, although there were some unfortunate moments:
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The Saints and the NFL issued statements about the donation:
“Our community has experienced an unimaginable tragedy and our collective hearts are broken as we mourn for the victims and survivors of the New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans,” Benson said in a statement.
“As a league, our cities and teams compete at the highest levels of competition and share spirited rivalries. Our staffs and players work tirelessly towards achieving our goals and we share in victories and defeats. However, through football we are also united and we stand arm-in-arm against all forms of hatred. We will vanquish terror and fear with an unwavering resolve and purpose rooted in love, compassion and kindness,” Benson continued.
Benson noted that the team and the NFL are working with the Greater New Orleans Foundation and United Way to deliver the funds to victims most effectively.
“Our hearts go out to all those affected by the tragic events in New Orleans,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “The NFL is committed to standing with the resilient community of New Orleans during this difficult time.”
Nothing can undo what has been done, but it’s at least good to see folks in the community doing what they can to help.
The Super Bowl is scheduled to be played at the Superdome on Sunday, February 9.
