NFL And Saints Unite For Generous Donation To Aid Bourbon Street Victims

In a powerful show of support, the New Orleans Saints and the NFL have come together to donate $1 million to aid the victims of the recent Bourbon Street attack.

At a Glance

The New Orleans Saints and the NFL donate $1 million to support Bourbon Street attack victims.
Donations come from Saints owner Gayle Benson and are matched by the NFL Foundation.
Funds aid local organizations through the Greater New Orleans Foundation and United Way.
The attack resulted in 14 deaths and 35 injuries, classified as an act of terrorism.

Unified Support and Generosity

The New Orleans Saints, along with the NFL, have committed $1 million to help those affected by the New Year’s Day tragedy on Bourbon Street. This initiative is powered by Saints owner Gayle Benson contributing $500,000, with the NFL Foundation matching this donation. Their collective aim is to deliver vital assistance swiftly to the victims and their families, reflecting a robust commitment to community restoration and resilience.

To ensure the efficient allocation of funds, contributions will be channeled through local organizations such as the Greater New Orleans Foundation and United Way. These organizations are at the forefront, providing indispensable support to those in need. In the wake of such a tragedy, this collaborative effort serves as a beacon of hope and unity.

The New Orleans Saints and the NFL will donate $1 million to the victims of the Bourbon Street attack that killed 14 people on New Year's Day, the team announced on Saturday. https://t.co/jwkkOEkVHi

— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 6, 2025

Impact and Community Response

The attack on Bourbon Street left a devastating toll, with 14 lives lost and 35 individuals injured. The suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old man from Texas, was linked to the Islamic State and was killed in a confrontation with authorities. The FBI officially classified the tragic incident as an act of terrorism, underscoring the challenges that communities face in the modern era.

Saints owner Gayle Benson said, “Our community has experienced an unimaginable tragedy, and our collective hearts are broken as we mourn for the victims and survivors of the New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans. Our focus has always been on providing aid quickly and effectively, and we are grateful for the collaboration with both the Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF) and United Way to ensure that these funds reach those who need them most.”

The victims, hailing from local regions, other parts of the United States, and the United Kingdom, are honored with the deepest respect. President Joe Biden has condemned the attack and commended the resilient spirit of New Orleans, while plans are underway for both him and First Lady Jill Biden to visit the affected community.

Biden said, “New Orleans is a place unlike any other place in the world. It’s a city full of charm and joy. So many people around the world love New Orleans because of its history, its culture, and, above all, its people.”

The New Orleans Saints and the NFL announced that they will donate $1 million to the victims of the New Year's Day truck ramming attack on Bourbon Street that killed 14 people and injured dozens of others. https://t.co/quMvPSmV4r

— ABC News (@ABC) January 4, 2025

Memorials and Continued Support

A vigil held on Bourbon Street transformed into a celebration of life, with a brass band playing in tribute to the victims. This heartfelt display of solidarity highlights the enduring spirit of a community bonded through shared tribulation and hope for the future.

In addition to the Saints and the NFL, others have come forward to offer support. Pelicans forward Zion Williamson and Saints defensive end Cam Jordan have made contributions, further emphasizing the collective effort to help the city heal. A somber yet unifying moment of silence will be honored before each NFL game this weekend, accompanied by Commissioner Roger Goodell’s support for the New Orleans community.