The New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans, which claimed the lives of 15 people and injured many more, has left an enduring scar on the city. One survivor, Jeremi Sensky, is bravely sharing his harrowing experience from that fateful night on Bourbon Street. Sensky, who was already paralyzed from the waist down prior to the attack, spoke with NBC News’ Tom Llamas from his hospital bed, recounting the moments a pickup truck plowed into the celebratory New Year’s Day crowd.
A Night of Celebration Turned Nightmare
Sensky had been enjoying the festivities, meeting with friends earlier in the day. As he was returning to his hotel, the unthinkable happened. “I heard just a massive noise,” Sensky told NBC News, initially thinking something had fallen. Turning around to investigate the sound, his memory abruptly cuts off. The next thing he knew, he was on the ground, surrounded by chaos.
“I came back and there [were] just people screaming and I was laying on the ground and I saw all my wheelchair parts on the ground beside me,” he continued. The horrifying realization that a terror attack was unfolding came with the sound of gunfire. Fearing for his life, Sensky’s only thought was to stay as low to the ground as possible, hoping to avoid being hit by stray bullets.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(674×346:676×348)/new-orleans-new-year-attack-010325-1-20418e00bb0c45178e69b959336127d9.jpg)
The aftermath of the New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans shows the devastation and destruction left in the wake of the tragedy.
Uncertainty and Survival Amidst the Chaos
While Sensky saw the truck moments before impact, the events unfolded too rapidly for him to fully comprehend what was happening. The details of how he survived remain unclear, though his right leg suffered extensive injuries, described as being broken into “a million pieces.” He assumes he was struck by the truck, given the state of his demolished wheelchair, but has received no official confirmation.
Initially landing on his face, Sensky managed to push himself onto his back, desperately trying to find safety amidst the carnage. He lay on the ground for an extended period, screaming for help before someone finally reached him. “Listen, I know you’re hurt but you’re alive,” the stranger reassured him, emphasizing the grim reality that many others had not been so fortunate. The weight of the situation began to sink in as Sensky realized the true extent of the horrific scene.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749×0:751×2)/new-orleans-new-year-attack-010325-2-ed4444e7fe944d7a8822d01fbcc5c124.jpg)
A man mourns at a makeshift memorial on Bourbon Street, paying tribute to the victims of the New Orleans terror attack. The memorial serves as a focal point for community grief and remembrance in the aftermath of the tragedy.
The Aftermath and Investigation: A City Grapples with Terrorism
The FBI has officially declared the attack an act of terrorism. The perpetrator, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas, deliberately drove his truck into the crowd on Bourbon Street in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Jabbar was killed in a subsequent shootout with police.
Investigations revealed a chilling connection to ISIS. An ISIS flag was found in Jabbar’s truck, and authorities confirmed he had pledged allegiance to the terrorist group in social media videos shortly before carrying out the attack. Reports indicate Jabbar had joined ISIS prior to the summer of 2024.
Remembering the Victims: Lives Lost to Terror
The attack claimed the lives of 15 innocent people, leaving a void in the lives of their families and friends. Among the victims were Nicole Perez, a 27-year-old mother of a 4-year-old child; Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, an aspiring nurse with a bright future ahead; former Princeton football player Martin “Tiger” Bech; and Reggie Hunter, a devoted father. Their stories, along with those of the other victims, serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of terrorism.
A Community United in Grief and Resilience
The New Orleans community and the nation mourned the loss of life and stood in solidarity with the victims and their families. The attack on Bourbon Street served as a tragic reminder of the vulnerability of public spaces and the ever-present threat of terrorism. As the city heals and rebuilds, the resilience of its people shines through, determined to overcome this tragedy and honor the memory of those lost.
Frequently Asked Questions About the New Orleans Terror Attack
What happened in the New Orleans terror attack?
A man deliberately drove a truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, killing 15 people and injuring many more. The attack was deemed an act of terrorism by the FBI.
Who was responsible for the attack?
The attacker was identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas. He was killed in a shootout with police following the attack.
Was the attack connected to any terrorist groups?
Yes, the FBI confirmed that Jabbar had pledged allegiance to ISIS and had joined the terrorist group before the summer of 2024. An ISIS flag was found in his truck.
Who were the victims of the attack?
The attack claimed the lives of 15 people, including Nicole Perez, Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, Martin “Tiger” Bech, and Reggie Hunter.
What is being done to prevent future attacks?
Law enforcement agencies are constantly working to enhance security measures and counter-terrorism efforts to prevent future attacks. Increased vigilance, intelligence gathering, and community engagement are crucial components of these efforts.
