New Orleans attack updates • Double homicide and abduction in Northfield • Norovirus surge
THURSDAY NEWS HIT - Fifteen people were killed after a driver slammed through New Orleans’ famed French Quarter early on New Year’s Day.
More than 30 people were injured following the tragedy and what the FBI is investigating as an act of terrorism.
What happened?
Police said the driver sped through a crowd along Bourbon Street around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday as revelers gathered to celebrate the New Year. At least 15 people were killed and 33 were injured and taken to five local hospitals.
Two police officers wounded in the shootout with the suspect were in stable condition.
Who were the victims?
The University of Georgia confirmed that one of their students was critically injured in Wednesday’s attack in New Orleans.
UGA President Jere W. Morehead announced the news on the social media platform X, stating:
"I am deeply saddened by the devastating attack in New Orleans overnight, and I extend my sincere condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this terrible tragedy," Morehead wrote on X.
A Mississippi man who was celebrating New Year's Eve in New Orleans said his friend who dreamed of becoming a nurse was among the people killed in an attack on Bourbon Street.
Zion Parsons, 18, said a vehicle suddenly appeared and he watched it hit his friend, 18-year-old Nikyra Dedeaux.
Another victim from Fort Worth, Texas, was identified as Tiger Bech, a former student-athlete who attended Princeton and graduated in 2021.
The victim's brother, Jack, posted a message on X, saying in part:
"You inspired me everyday now you get to be with me in every moment. I got this family T, don’t worry."
A 37-year-old father of two from Baton Rouge was among the 10 people killed.
Reggie Hunter had just left work and was headed with a cousin to celebrate New Year’s when the attack happened, his first cousin Shirell Jackson told Nola.com.
Hunter was killed and his cousin was injured, Jackson said.
Officials have not yet released the names of the victims, but their families and friends are talking about them.
Elle Eisele and Steele Idelson, two former students from Canterbury School in Fort Myers, were identified as victims who were injured in Wednesday's tragic attack.
"The Eisele and Idelson families are deeply grateful for the outpouring of thoughts, prayers, and offers of support for our daughters following the tragic attack in New Orleans. We are especially thankful for the exceptional care and compassion they are receiving at University Medical Center. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the first responders, whose swift actions may have saved our daughters’ lives. To everyone who has reached out with love and support, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts," according to a statement given to FOX 5 Atlanta by a school spokesperson.
Who is the driver?
The FBI said the driver was 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas.
A flag representing the Islamic State group was found in the truck and the FBI is trying to determine if he was associated with any terrorist organizations, the agency said in a statement.
Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick said the driver was "hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did" and he tried "to run over as many people as he could."
Norovirus cases surge in metro Detroit
You may have already had it, but if not, it's time to be prepared. Norovirus is spreading, and as many gather for New Year's Eve celebrations, it's the environment that can lead to sickness.
Cases of the stomach virus are akin to the flu, but is actually an inflammation of the intestinal lining, Dr. Asha Shajahan of Corewell Health said. A recent outbreak in cases is likely tied to the traditional spread that starts around Christmas.
"So the norovirus is really common in the winter months because people tend to gather inside," she said. "It’s highly infectious."
As you work to protect yourself from contracting Norovirus, just remember, hand sanitizer won’t help you. "Just make sure you wash your hands, with soap for 20 seconds, because the Norovirus is not that susceptible to just hand sanitizer" said Shajahan.
Norovirus: How to protect yourself as cases go up in Metro Detroit
You may have already had it, but if not, it's time to be prepared. Norovirus is spreading, and as many gather for New Year's Eve celebrations, it's the environment that can lead to sickness.
Double homicide, abduction out of Northfield Township
Police are investigating a double homicide and child abduction in Washtenaw County that led to three people being arrested. The shocking New Year's Day violence happened in Northfield Township Wednesday night when officers responded to a home on Nollar Bend Road following reports of a shooting.
While there, they found two people dead from gunshot wounds and a third victim who was alive but suffering from being shot as well. Police later learned that two kids had been abducted during the incident, leading to a manhunt, starting around 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
With the help of law enforcement in Ann Arbor, the sheriff's office, and Michigan State Police, three people were arrested and taken into custody. Charges are currently being reviewed by the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office.
The two kids who were abducted have since been recovered and are being evaluated at the local hospital.
Fenton woman killed in New Year's Day crash
A 57-year-old woman was killed and five others were seriously injured after a three-vehicle crash on westbound I-96 in Lyon Township on New Year's Day.
The Oakland County Sheriff's Office believes alcohol may have been a factor in the early-morning crash when a Ford Explorer struck a Chevrolet Trax, causing the Explorer to face the wrong way in the lane.
It was then struck head-on by a 2018 Jeep Compass.
The deceased was a passenger in the Explorer. Several others were also injured in the crash.
Detroit Lions may get star defensive player back
It's crunch time for the Detroit Lions, who despite doing nearly everything they can to lock in their NFC North banner, still have to win one more game to secure victory and the playoffs' No. 1 seed.
And hopefully, they will get a key player back on the field when they take to the field Sunday night against the Minnesota Vikings, the other team competing for the top playoff spot.
Alex Anzalone, the linebacker and defensive captain, returned to practice in limited fashion on Wednesday, a positive sign toward reactivating him ahead of the game, which will be Sunday night and the final regular-season match of the weekend.
While Detroit has continued winning, their defensive struggles have grown. Anzalone should help fill in a key gap for the beleaguered team is desperate for more support ahead of the postseason.
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Daily Forecast
Temperatures are going to continue trending downward for the coldest stretch of the winter season. There will be some flurries along the way, but most of the winter weather will be confined to the cold.
What else we're watching
- Thursday is the first court date for the superintendent of a Warren school district arrested for possessing weed near school grounds and keeping a loaded rifle in her vehicle. She and another school employee were arrested prior to Christmas.
- There is also come concern about safety in Detroit with the auto show coming to town in the wake of the deadly attack in New Orleans. But according to one former cop, it's unlikely any copycat attack will occur.
- A homicide and child abduction reported out of Northfield Township is being investigated by police after two people were found dead inside a home from apparent gunshot wounds. Two kids were also taken before being recovered by police.
- The Detroit Pistons appeared to be back on track towards winning games when one of their stars suffered a severe leg injury in the 4th quarter. Jaden Ivey left shortly before the Pistons beat the Orlando Magic.
- Family are remembering longtime Dearborn mayor John "Jack" O'Reilly Jr., who died over the holidays.
Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside Trump Las Vegas hotel: 1 dead, several injured
Authorities in Las Vegas said one person was found dead and several others were found injured after a Tesla Cybertruck caught fire outside the Trump Hotel Las Vegas on Wednesday.
No motive has been made public by law enforcement, including that it may be connected to the deadly New Orleans attack.