NEW ORLEANS – As local and federal authorities investigate an attack in New Orleans that killed at least 10 people and injured more than 30 more, the University of Notre Dame responded with a statement.
Notre Dame plays Georgia Wednesday night in Allstate Sugar Bowl at New Orleans’ Superdome. The game is part of the College Football Playoff.
The attack, which involved a driver who went around barricades to crash his pickup truck into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street, cast a pall over the game. The driver fired at police, who returned fire and killed him. The FBI, which characterized the incident as an “act of terrorism,” is leading the investigation.
Local authorities said extra manpower would be called in Wednesday night for the football game, which was set to go on as scheduled. Kickoff was scheduled for 8:45 p.m. ET.
“We are aware of the incident this morning in New Orleans and are working with law enforcement and others to determine the full scope and impact of the tragedy,” the University of Notre Dame said in a statement. “The public is urged to avoid Bourbon Street north from Canal to Dumaine Streets and also east from Royal Street to Dauphine Street until further notice as the investigation is ongoing.”
The university asked fans to pray for those affected.
“We ask our fans to join us in prayer for those injured and lost in this senseless act of violence. Those staying at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel are welcome to join us for the previously scheduled Mass there at 11 a.m. Otherwise, we ask that you join us in prayer from wherever you are.”
The University of Georgia also released a statement on social media.
“We are horrified and saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred in the early hours of New Year’s Day in New Orleans,” the school said on social media. “University personnel are working to determine if any UGA students, faculty, staff, alumni or fans were among the victims. We offer our deepest condolences to all the victims and their families, and we stand in solidarity with the New Orleans community.”
The Allstate Sugar Bowl Committee also commented on the tragedy.
“The Sugar Bowl Committee is devastated by the terrible events from early this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families,” the committee said. “We are in ongoing discussions with authorities on the local, state and federal levels and will communicate further details as they become available.”
