A British citizen, Edward Pettifer has been confirmed dead following a vehicle attack on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, on New Year’s Day.
The Metropolitan Police identified the victim as 31-year-old Pettifer from Chelsea, London.
The tragic incident left at least 14 people dead and 39 others injured after a pickup truck driver ploughed through crowds in the city’s French Quarter before being shot dead by police.
In a statement, Pettifer’s family expressed devastation over the loss of their loved one.
“The entire family are devastated at the tragic news of Ed’s death in New Orleans. He was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew, and a friend to so many. We will all miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with the other families who have lost their loved ones due to this terrible attack. We request privacy to grieve the loss of Ed as a family.”
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has offered its support to the grieving family confirming they are working closely with authorities in the United States
The vehicle attack occurred in the early hours of January 1, with a pickup truck driven by a 42-year-old Texas resident, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, ramming through crowds gathered on Bourbon Street, a bustling tourist hotspot
Following the crash, the suspect reportedly exited the vehicle and fired shots into the crowd before being neutralised by police
Authorities have since confirmed that two improvised explosive devices were found near the scene, alongside an Islamic State flag recovered from inside the vehicle.
The FBI believes the attack was premeditated and carried out by Jabbar acting alone, describing it as a calculated and evil act.
While authorities in the US are still conducting post-mortem examinations, families and friends have begun identifying the victims of the New Orleans attack.
Among the deceased are, Edward Pettifer – British national from Chelsea, London. A well-known American college football player, A young aspiring nurse, Amother of a four-year-old child.
The identities of these individuals were shared by their loved ones through local news outlets and social media.
At least 39 people were injured during the deadly rampage, with several victims still receiving treatment in intensive care units. Some victims have since been discharged from hospitals, but many remain hospitalised with serious injuries
According to the New Orleans Police Department, the suspect, Jabbar, was a US Army veteran with no known links to any terrorist organisation prior to the attack.
However, officials have raised concerns about Jabbar’s mental health and possible radicalisation, citing the Islamic State flag found in the vehicle.
The FBI has reassured the public that the suspect acted alone, and there is no ongoing threat linked to the attack.
“We are treating this incident as a premeditated terror attack. The evidence gathered so far shows that Jabbar was prepared to cause mass casualties,” an FBI spokesperson said.
The attack took place just days before the Sugar Bowl, a major college American football game between Notre Dame and the University of Georgia, which draws thousands of visitors to the city’s French Quarter.
Despite the tragedy, Bourbon Street was reopened to the public on Thursday morning, and authorities have increased security patrols ahead of the event.
