Black Teen and Father Among 15 Victims in New Orleans New Year’s Terror Attack
New Orleans, LA – A horrific terrorist attack on New Year’s Eve in New Orleans claimed the lives of 15 people, including two African Americans, 18-year-old Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux and 37-year-old Reggie Hunter. The tragedy, which took place on Bourbon Street, also left at least 35 others injured in what the FBI has labeled an “act of terrorism.”
Promising Teen’s Life Cut Short
Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, an 18-year-old Gulfport, Mississippi native, had traveled to New Orleans to celebrate the New Year with her cousin and a friend. Her life was tragically cut short when she was struck by the attacker’s truck while fleeing gunfire.
A recent high school graduate, Dedeaux had dreams of becoming a nurse and was set to begin nursing school soon. Her devastated mother, Melissa Dedeaux, shared her grief, saying, “I just want to see my baby. She was the sweetest person. She would give you anything, anything.”
Dedicated Father Among Victims
Reggie Hunter, a 37-year-old father of two from Baton Rouge, was another victim of the attack. Hunter had made a last-minute decision to celebrate New Year’s Eve on Bourbon Street with his cousin. The two were struck by the vehicle while walking along the crowded street. While his cousin survived with injuries, Hunter tragically succumbed to his wounds.
Hunter’s family described him as a devoted father who took immense pride in his children—a 12-year-old son excelling in STEM and an 18-month-old son. “He was an incredible father who always supported his kids,” shared a family member. To help with funeral expenses, Hunter’s family set up a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised over $8,000 so far.
Details of the Attack
The attack unfolded around 3:15 a.m. on January 1, when a truck, driven by 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, rammed into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street. After plowing through pedestrians, Jabbar exited the vehicle and opened fire, prompting a shootout with police. Jabbar, a Texas native and Army veteran, was killed in the exchange.
Ongoing Investigation
The FBI is leading the investigation, coordinating with local law enforcement. Authorities are working to determine whether Jabbar acted alone or had accomplices. While the motive remains unclear, the attack has sent shockwaves through the community and the nation.
This senseless act has left families mourning and a city grappling with the loss of innocent lives. As New Orleans begins the new year, it does so in mourning, honoring the memories of those lost, including a bright young woman with a future in healthcare and a devoted father whose love for his children was unmatched.