Thousands of Hoosiers are in New Orleans ahead of the planned game between Georgia and Notre Dame.
NOTRE DAME, Ind. — The FBI is investigating a terror attack that killed 10 people and injured 35 others in New Orleans early on New Year’s Day. Thousands of Hoosiers are in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl between Georgia and Notre Dame that was originally scheduled for Jan. 1, 2025. The Sugar Bowl has been postponed to January 2 in the wake of the attack.
It is unclear if anyone from Indiana was among the dead or injured, but local officials said they believe most of the victims were local to New Orleans.
Just after noon, the school announced it was canceling the 2:30 p.m. Bayou Bash and the 4 p.m. President’s Pre-Game Celebration “for the safety of everyone involved and, just as importantly, wishing to be in prayer and solidarity with all victim’s and families affected by this horrific event.”
On Facebook, the University of Notre Dame responded to the attack saying:
“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 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.
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.”
13Sports reporter Dominic Miranda and photojournalist Josh Blankenship are in New Orleans for Sugar Bowl. They were uninjured in the attack and attended the service at the Riverside Hotel.
The school also posted a statement from the president of the university:
If you are searching for a loved one who may have been injured in the attacks, you are asked to call the New Orleans Police Department non-emergency number at (504) 821-2222.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information becomes available.