British Man Among 14 Killed in Horrific New Year’s Day Attack in New Orleans
A British man has tragically been confirmed among the 14 victims killed when a truck was deliberately driven into a crowd celebrating New Year’s Day on Bourbon Street, New Orleans.
Edward Pettifer, 31, from Chelsea, West London, was named by the Metropolitan Police as one of those who lost their lives in the devastating attack.
Family Pays Heartfelt Tribute
Mr Pettifer’s family spoke out in a moving statement, expressing their heartbreak:
“He was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew, and a friend to so many. We will all miss him terribly.”
They also offered sympathies to other victims’ families and requested privacy to grieve their loss.
Attack ‘100% Inspired by ISIS’, Says FBI
The FBI has labelled the New Year’s Day massacre a premeditated terror attack. Suspect Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, an army veteran, reportedly rented the truck six weeks before using it to mow down revellers in the early hours of January 1, 2025.
Officials say Jabbar was “100% inspired by ISIS.” He also allegedly set fire to a rental house to destroy evidence before the carnage and possessed bomb-making materials at his New Orleans and Houston homes.
Investigators revealed that two improvised explosive devices containing a rare explosive compound—never before seen in US or European terror attacks—were placed before the truck rampage.
Victims Named, Investigation Ongoing
The New Orleans coroner has identified 13 of the 14 victims, including Mr. Pettifer. The known victims are:
- Andrew Dauphin, 26 – Montgomery, Alabama
- Kareem Badawi, 23 – Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Brandon Taylor, 43 – Harvey, Louisiana
- Hubert Gauthreaux, 21 – Gretna, Louisiana
- Matthew Tenedorio, 25 – Picayune, Mississippi
- Ni’Kyra Dedeaux, 18 – Gulfport, Mississippi
- Nicole Perez, 27 – Metairie, Louisiana
- Reggie Hunter, 37 – Prairieville, Louisiana
- Martin Bech, 27 – New York City, New York
- Terrence Kennedy, 63 – New Orleans, Louisiana
- Elliot Wilkinson, 40 – Slidell, Louisiana
- William DiMaio, 25 – Holmdel, New Jersey
- Edward Pettifer, 31 – Chelsea, London
The 14th victim, believed to be a female, has yet to be identified.
Casualties and Support
Authorities say 35 people were injured in the attack, with the number expected to rise. University Medical Centre New Orleans treated 30 victims, 13 remain hospitalised, eight of whom are in intensive care.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed it is assisting Mr Pettifer’s family and coordinating with US officials.
Inquiry Looms as Community Reels
This brutal New Year’s Day attack has shocked New Orleans and the world. Investigations by the FBI and Homeland Security continue, focusing on security failures, the planning behind the massacre, and possible further arrests.
Officials have vowed a full-scale inquiry into what is now the deadliest New Year’s attack in recent US history.
