The College Football Playoff quarterfinal between No. 2 Georgia and No. 3 Notre Dame was overshadowed by tragedy early Wednesday morning when an unknown driver deliberately drove a car into a large crowd of people celebrating the New Year on Bourbon Street, killing at least 10 people and even more were injured. than 20 others, according to New Orleans officials.
The horrific attack, which the FBI is investigating as an act of terrorism, occurred as thousands of college football fans headed to the historic city for Wednesday night’s game in the… Caesar’s Superdome.
The Allstate Sugar Bowl logo at center field during the CFP semifinal Allstate Sugar Bowl game between the Texas Longhorns and the Washington Huskies on January 1, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. (John Korduner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Allstate Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley released a statement Wednesday expressing his condolences for the victims. He added that organizers will continue to work with authorities ahead of kick-off.
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“The Sugar Bowl The Committee is devastated by the terrible events that occurred early this morning. 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.”
Pre-game safety concerns have become a major issue. The Superdome, home of the Saints from New Orleans, has a capacity of over 80,000.
During a press conference Wednesday morning, Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick appeared to indicate that the game would go ahead as usual.
Emergency crews are investigating the scene on Bourbon Street after a vehicle crashed into a crowd at New Orleans Canal and Bourbon Street on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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“I will say that we want our community and our visitors to continue to enjoy – there is so much to love about New Orleans. And we are going to make sure our routes and the Superdome are safe for the game today.”
New Orleans police said in their latest statement that the driver killed at least 10 people and injured 35 others after deliberately plowing through a crowd of people in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day.
The suspect, who has not been identified, exchanged gunfire with law enforcement and struck two officers before being fatally struck.
Police investigate a crime scene on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. A driver drove into the crowd of New Year’s revelers and began firing a weapon in the early morning hours. (Kat Ramirez for Fox News Digital)
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The FBI said improvised explosive devices have been found and investigators are working to confirm whether the devices are viable.
Wednesday’s game starts at 8:45 PM ET.
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