The University of Our Lady is asking fans in New Orleans ahead of the Sugar Bowl to “pray with us” after an apparent terrorist attack killed at least 10 people and injured more than 30 others early Wednesday morning.
The statement shared on social media comes as thousands of college football fans have traveled to town for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal between the Fighting Irish and the Georgian bulldogs.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish logo is seen on the end zone pylon during the CFP first round game between the Indiana Hoosiers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish on December 20, 2024 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. (Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“We are aware of this morning’s incident in New Orleans and are working with law enforcement and others to determine the full extent and impact of the tragedy,” the statement on X said.
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“We ask our fans to join us in praying for those injured and lost in this senseless act of violence.”
The university urged New Orleans residents to avoid the area. It also encouraged anyone interested to attend a Mass the university is holding at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel.
The FBI is investigating a suspected act of terrorism after a driver drove through a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 10 people and injuring at least 35 others. Police said the suspect was killed while exchanging gunfire with police.
Police investigate a crime scene in Bourbon Str. in New Orleans on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. A driver drove into the crowd of New Year’s celebrants and began firing a weapon in the early morning hours. (Kat Ramirez for Fox News Digital)
The tragedy has raised safety concerns in the lead-up to the disaster sugar bowl, which will take place Wednesday evening at the Caesars Superdome, just a mile away from the crime scene.
“The Sugar Bowl Committee is devastated by the terrible events that occurred early this morning,” Allstate Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We are in ongoing discussions with authorities at local, state and federal levels and will communicate further details as they become available.”
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish run onto the field prior to the first round playoff game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Notre Dame Stadium on December 20, 2024 in South Bend, Indiana. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
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New Orleans Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick indicated at a press conference on Wednesday that the game will go ahead as expected.
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