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.
Notre Dame fans process the tragedy
Jack Nolan is the former voice of Notre Dame Athletics. He spoke to 13News from New Orleans, where he is visiting with his wife.
“We had breakfast reservations in the French Quarter,” Nolan said. “That is now a crime scene.”
Nolan was understanding about the decision to delay the game.
“I mean, let’s be honest, as important as these games are when something like this happens, the game just isn’t that important,” Nolan said. “The consensus of the average fan or the average citizen is you kind of have to play when it’s safe, because you can’t let the terrorists win.”
Brad Rhodes, who is also in New Orleans with his family, agreed.
“I think it was probably the right call to postpone it,” Rhodes said. “They probably want to have 110% assurance that there was no threat to security.”
Fans in Indianapolis were also stunned by the events. 13News stopped by Tom’s Watch Bar downtown, where fans and staff were processing the day’s events.
“It’s obviously a challenging environment with a lot of things going in the world,” Damien Kostick, who works at the bar, said. “Our goal here is to create an environment for you to kind of step away, take a break.”
Lynn Farmer, who lives in Irvington, was stunned by what happened.
“Tomorrow, we’ll resume work again and go back to the grind,” Farmer said. “But for now, we’re going to watch some games, enjoy ourselves, and hope the rest of you do the same.”
Notre Dame responds to the attack
Just after noon, the Notre Dame 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.