Sugar Bowl Game in New Orleans Is Postponed in Wake of New Year’s Attack

The anticipated Sugar Bowl game between Notre Dame and the Georgia Bulldogs has been postponed until Thursday following what authorities are describing as a terrorist attack that was carried out in the early hours of New Year’s Day in New Orleans. 

The decision was announced at an afternoon press conference on Wednesday, where state and government officials confirmed that at least 10 people were killed and at least 30 people injured when a suspect drove a truck into a crowd in the French Quarter and opened fire. The suspect was identified as Texas resident Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, who was killed at the scene. 

The FBI said they were investigating the attack as a terrorist act, adding that they don’t believe that Jabbar was “solely responsible” and would be looking at “his known associates.” 

Out of an abundance of caution, Sugar Bowl’s CEO Jeff Hundley said the game at the Caesars Superdome would be postponed to ensure a “safe and efficient” environment for the game. “All parties agree that it’s in the best interest of everybody in public safety that we postpone the game for 24 hours,” Hundley said.

“Rest assured that the decision that was made to postpone the game was not done lightly. It was done with one single thing in mind, public safety,” added Louisiana congressman Troy Carter. 

The city of New Orleans is on high alert following Wednesday’s morning tragedy, especially as the city prepares for the Super Bowl on Feb 9. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry issued an emergency declaration on Wednesday and mobilized a military police company from the Louisiana National Guard, which will assist local law enforcement, state police, and the FBI in safety measures. 

“It is important for our citizens and guests of this state to know that we are doing everything we can to secure their safety in this city,” Landry said.