News Summary
The recently removed memorial sign for the victims of the New Year’s Day terrorist attack on Bourbon Street has left the community in uncertainty. Initially established as a temporary guide to a relocated memorial, the sign’s absence has raised questions about future honors for the victims. The tragedy, which occurred in January 2025, left 14 people dead and many others injured. Ongoing efforts include the preservation of artifacts by the Louisiana State Museum and the development of a permanent memorial endorsed by the state’s governor.
New Orleans — A sign marking the site of the memorial for the victims of the New Year’s Day terrorist attack on Bourbon Street has been removed, sparking uncertainty among passersby who noticed its absence. This removal occurred without prior public notice and has raised questions regarding the future of the memorial.
The tragic attack, which took place in the early hours of January 1, 2025, involved an assailant who drove a rented truck down Bourbon Street, ultimately killing 14 people and injuring dozens more. Following the incident, the suspect was killed in a shootout with police after the truck crashed into a parked vehicle. In the aftermath, a makeshift memorial was established near the intersection of Bourbon and Canal streets, consisting of wooden crosses, flowers, candles, photos, and graffiti left by mourners.
The memorial was subsequently relocated to the Louisiana State Museum at the Presbytère on February 21, 2025. A simple sign was originally placed at the attack site to guide mourners to the new location. This installation was coordinated with the city and the owner of the surrounding property. However, State Museum director Rebecca Mackie clarified that the memorial sign was only intended as a temporary measure and was eventually discarded due to graffiti.
Artifacts collected from mourners at the original site are now being preserved by the Louisiana State Museum, ensuring that the memories of the victims are honored. In tandem with these efforts, Governor Jeff Landry is overseeing the development of a permanent memorial dedicated to the victims of the attack. A commission has been established specifically to oversee this initiative, with the mission of creating a space for reflection and remembrance for those lost in the tragedy, as expressed by Patty Giovingo, the Governor’s senior coordinator of Victims’ Advocacy.
The recent developments follow the arrest of a suspect linked to the attack in Iraq, identified as a member of ISIS’s Foreign Operations Office and accused of inciting the incident. The FBI established that the main attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran who had pledged allegiance to ISIS.
In response to security concerns raised by the attack, a report by former NYPD Chief Bill Bratton recommended significant changes to Bourbon Street. It suggested transforming the area into a permanent pedestrian zone as a method to mitigate the risk of future attacks. Additional recommendations included increasing police presence along parade routes and enhancing security measures, such as the use of drone surveillance.
While the sign marking the original memorial site has been removed, the community continues to reflect on the tragic event. The city remains committed to honoring the victims through the planned permanent memorial and the preservation of artifacts that symbolize the grief and solidarity within the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Dorian M. Bennett, Arts Patron and Real Estate Leader, Passes Away
French Quarter Easter Parade Celebrates 40 Years
Ohio Man’s Heartfelt Story Inspires Mental Health Awareness in New Orleans
New Orleans Enhances Safety for Super Bowl LIX
Spring Festivals and Events in New Orleans
New Orleans Community Honors Fallen Firefighter Dwayne Jackson
Additional Resources
- NOLA: Sign marking Bourbon Street terror attack has been removed
- WWLTV: French Quarter terrorism attack memorial commission meeting
- FOX 8: ISIS linked suspect arrested in Iraq tied to New Year’s Bourbon Street terror attack
- CBS News: New Orleans Bourbon Street closed after deadly truck attack
- Wikipedia: Terrorism in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
