A British man has been identified among the 14 victims killed in the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Edward Pettifer, 31, from Chelsea, west London, was confirmed by the Metropolitan Police as one of those who lost their lives when a truck was deliberately driven into crowds celebrating the New Year on Bourbon Street.
Family’s Heartfelt Tribute
In a statement, Mr. Pettifer’s family said they were devastated by his tragic death:
“He was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew, and a friend to so many. We will all miss him terribly.”
They also extended their sympathies to the other families affected by the attack and requested privacy while they grieve.
Attack Suspect ‘Inspired by ISIS’
The FBI has described the attack as premeditated and terror-related, stating that suspect Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, was “100% inspired by ISIS”.
The army veteran allegedly rented the truck six weeks in advance before using it to plow into revelers in New Orleans’ famous Bourbon Street in the early hours of January 1, 2025.
Victims Identified
The New Orleans coroner has identified 13 of the 14 victims, including Mr. Pettifer.
The full list of identified victims includes:
- 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
Authorities are still working to identify the 14th victim, believed to be a female.
Investigation Developments
The FBI and Homeland Security continue their investigation into the attack, revealing:
- Jabbar set fire to a house he had rented to destroy evidence before carrying out the attack.
- Bomb-making materials were discovered in his New Orleans rental home and his residence in Houston, Texas.
- The truck rental used in the attack was booked more than six weeks before New Year’s Eve.
Additionally, it was confirmed that Jabbar used a rare explosive compound in two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) placed before the attack. Investigators say this chemical has never been used in previous U.S. or European terror attacks, and efforts are ongoing to determine how he learned to make it.
Casualties and Survivors
Authorities report that 35 people were injured, though this number is expected to rise as more individuals seek medical treatment.
The University Medical Centre New Orleans stated they treated 30 injured victims, with 13 remaining hospitalized, including eight in intensive care.
Support for the Families
The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed they are assisting Mr. Pettifer’s family and liaising with local authorities in the U.S.
Looking Ahead
This New Year’s Day tragedy has left deep scars in both New Orleans and the international community. As investigators continue their work, questions remain about potential security failures, how the attack was planned, and whether further arrests will be made.
Authorities have promised a full-scale inquiry into the deadliest New Year’s attack in recent U.S. history.
