New Orleans officials are working to ensure the safety of the Caesars Superdome for Wednesday night’s Sugar Bowl after a tragic incident on Bourbon Street earlier in the day. At least 10 people were killed and 35 injured when a man intentionally drove a pick-up truck into pedestrians in what city officials are calling a terrorist attack.
The Sugar Bowl, featuring No. 2 Georgia against No. 7 Notre Dame in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal, is set to kick off at 8:45 p.m. ET. Superintendent of Police Anne Kirkpatrick assured the public that extensive measures are being taken to secure the stadium and surrounding areas.
“We want our community and visitors to continue enjoying all that New Orleans has to offer,” Kirkpatrick said. “We are going to make sure our routes and our Superdome are safe today for the game. Just stay away from Bourbon Street.”
The attack occurred around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday, when the suspect drove into a crowd on Bourbon Street in what Kirkpatrick described as “very intentional behavior.” Two officers were shot after the man crashed his vehicle; both are in stable condition. The suspect was shot and killed at the scene.
“This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could,” Kirkpatrick said.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell called the incident a “terrorist attack” and confirmed that it was not related to drunk driving.
The Sugar Bowl Committee expressed its sorrow over the incident. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families,” CEO Jeff Hundley said in a statement. The committee is in communication with local, state, and federal authorities to ensure the event proceeds safely.
The Sugar Bowl is the third and final College Football Playoff quarterfinal, with the winner advancing to face No. 6 Penn State in the semifinals on Jan. 9. Penn State defeated No. 11 Boise State, 31-14, on Tuesday night.
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