A man from Chelsea has been confirmed to be among the 14 people killed in New Orleans after a car rammed into a crowd in the early hours of New Year’s Day. The family of Edward Pettifer, 31, are currently being supported by the Met Police after he was killed in the attack on Bourbon Street.
35 people were also injured when the suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, allegedly ploughed a pick-up truck through crowds of New Year’s revellers at 3.15am and then got out and fired a gun into the crowd. He was then shot dead by police.
Edward’s family said they were “devastated at the tragic news of Ed‘s death in New Orleans. He was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew and a friend to so many.
“We will all miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with the other families who have lost their family members due to this terrible attack. We request that we can grieve the loss of Ed as a family in private. Thank you.”
The New Orleans coroner gave Mr Pettifer’s preliminary cause of death as “blunt force injuries”. Met Police said family liaison officers are supporting Mr Pettifer’s family and helping them through the process of returning his body to the UK.
The Foreign Office also said it was supporting the victim’s family and was in contact with US authorities. The New Orleans mayor, LaToya Cantrell, said, “Our hearts and prayers continue to go out to the victim’s families,” at a press conference.
The New Orleans coroner said one of those killed remained unidentified with the others coming from the US, the youngest aged 18 and the oldest 63.
It is believed the suspect acted alone. The FBI confirmed an Islamic State flag was found inside the vehicle and explosive devices were found nearby. Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden said the attacker posted a video which indicated he was inspired by the so-called Islamic State group.
Britain, France, Germany and Mexico all condemned the terrorist attack. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on Wednesday: “The shockingly violent attack in New Orleans is horrific. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, the emergency responders and the people of the United States at this tragic time.”
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said consular officials in the US would be on hand to help any British nationals affected.
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