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By Monica Sager
Live News Reporter
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Ten victims among the 15 people killed when a car drove into a crowd in New Orleans Wednesday morning have been identified by family members. Officials have not yet released the names of the victims.
Why It Matters
The FBI is investigating the New Year's incident on Bourbon Street as an act of terrorism. A key line of inquiry is whether the attack was orchestrated or inspired by a foreign terrorist group.
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The Victims
Reggie Hunter
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Reggie Hunter, 37, had just left work and was heading to his cousin's home when the attack happened, his first cousin Shirell Jackson told Nola.com. Hunter was killed, and his cousin was injured, according to Jackson.
Hunter, a father of two, was born in California and lived in Baton Rouge. He worked as a warehouse manager. Jackson said Hunter was close to his family and loved fashion and working out.
Nikyra Dedeaux
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Nikyra "Cheyenne" Dedeaux, 18, had traveled to New Orleans from Gulfport, Mississippi, with her cousin and a friend for the New Year's celebrations on Bourbon Street.
Her mother, Melissa Dedeaux, who confirmed the teenager's death to Nola.com, said Dedeaux wasn't supposed to be in New Orleans. Dedeaux sneaked to her cousin's home for the excursion. The three and Dedeaux's friend Zion Parsons were leaving Voodoo Chicken & Daquiris on Bourbon Street when the suspect's vehicle suddenly appeared, Parsons told the Associated Press.
Dedeaux graduated from Harrison Central High School in Gulfport in 2024. She was set to begin a nursing program at Blue Cliff College in two weeks. Parsons and Dedeaux's mother both told news outlets that Dedeaux was a positive person who was "never down or grumpy."
Tiger Bech
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Tiger Bech, 27, was also killed in the attack. He was taken to a New Orleans hospital, where he died late Wednesday morning, according to Kim Broussard, the athletic director at St. Thomas More Catholic High School, as reported by Baton Rouge news station WAFB.
She told Nola.com that Bech had suffered internal bleeding.
Bech, who is from Lafayette, Louisiana, graduated from Princeton in 2021 with a degree in finance and was working in New York as a stockbroker.
While at Princeton, Bech was an All-Ivy League kick returner from 2016 to 2018. He had recorded 53 catches for 825 yards and three touchdowns during his time with the Tigers.
Nicole Perez
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Nicole Perez, who was in her late 20s, was a single mother to a 4-year-old son named Melo. She was a manager at Kimmy's Deli in Metairie, Louisiana.
Kimberly Usher, the owner of the deli, has set up a GoFundMe for Perez, who she called "my friend and my manager of our store." She confirmed Perez's death through her sister, who also works for Usher, according to the Associated Press.
Matthew Tenedorio
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Matthew Tenedorio, 25, was confirmed as another person who died in the attacks by his parents to ABC News.
Tenedorio was a Long Island native. He worked as a fiber optics and video professional at the Superdome and Smoothie King Center, the two biggest sports venues in New Orleans.
His mother, Cathy, said her son was the "life of the room." Cathy and her husband Louis had last seen Tenedorio at dinner earlier on New Year's Eve. He was on Bourbon Street celebrating the new year with his friends.
Kareem Badawi
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Kareem Badawi, a freshman at the University of Alabama, was among those killed, according to a Facebook post from his father. Badawi had pledged to join the Sigma Chi fraternity.
Badawai was a Baton Rouge native. He had graduated from Episcopal High School. A scheduled prayer vigil will honor Badawi and another 2024 graduate, Parker Vidrine, who was critically injured in the attack.
Hubert Gauthreaux
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Hubert Gauthreaux, 21, was confirmed dead by the Archbishop Shaw High School. Gauthreaux graduated in 2021.
Gauthreaux's family had initially reported him missing. They later confirmed his death on social media. He was found at a local hospital, where he died due to his injuries.
Drew Dauphin
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Auburn University graduate Drew Dauphin was another victim, as confirmed by the university's president, Christopher Roberts. Dauphin graduated from Auburn in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in industrial and systems engineering, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Following graduation, Dauphin worked as a supplier process engineer at the American Honda Motor Company in Alabama.
Billy DiMaio
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Billy DiMaio, 25, was in Louisiana for New Year's with friends, his parents told The New Orleans Advocate. Tracie DiMaio described her son as a "pure, gentle-hearted soul."
Billy DiMaio, who is from Long Island, graduated from Chestnut Hill College in 2022, where he was a captain for the school's 2022 championship lacrosse team. He worked for Audacy Inc.
Terrence Kennedy
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Terrence Kennedy, 64, was among those who were killed in Wednesday's attack, his sister said in a video posted on Facebook.
Jacqueline Kennedy told NBC News that her brother loved sports. He supported the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs, but his favorite team was the Pittsburgh Steelers.
What To Know
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, has been named the suspect in the attack that killed at least 15 people and injured 30 early Wednesday morning.
It occurred around 4:15 a.m. EST in the French Quarter, one of New Orleans' busiest areas, during the city's New Year's Eve celebrations.
The New Orleans Police Department said the suspect opened fire on officers after the vehicle came to a stop. He was driving a Ford pickup truck, which officials said appeared to be rented.
Officers returned fire, and the suspect was struck, police said in a news release. He was subsequently pronounced dead.
New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said the male suspect "was trying to run over as many people as he could." She said the incident was the result of "intentional behavior."
An ISIS flag was found in the vehicle, according to the FBI. The bureau is working to determine the suspect's potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations. Weapons and a potential IED were also located in the vehicle. Other potential IEDs were also located in the French Quarter, according to a press release from the FBI.
Jabbar was a Houston resident. In 2005, he was charged with driving with a suspended license and in 2002, he was charged with misdemeanor theft, according to records previously reviewed by Newsweek.
He was allegedly staying at an Airbnb, which burned down earlier Wednesday, about a mile and a half away from the attacks.
What People Are Saying
Hunter's cousin Jackson, to Nola.com: "They decided to go out there because he came in from work and said, 'Hey, the Sugar Bowl is tomorrow. It's New Year's Eve. Let's go to the city.' Just something so simple. 'Hey cuz, had, wanna ride me to the city?'"
Nikyra Dedeaux's mother, Melissa Dedeaux, to Nola.com: "I just want to see my baby. She was the sweetest person. She would give you anything, anything."
Nikyra Dedeaux's friend, Parsons, to the Associated Press: "Bodies, bodies all up and down the street, everybody screaming and hollering...I hadn't had time to cry up until I called her mother, and she asked me, 'Where's my baby.' That broke me."
Tiger Bech's brother, Jack Bech, on X, formerly Twitter: "Love you always brother ! You inspired me everyday now you get to be with me in every moment. I got this family T, don't worry. This is for us."
Princeton football coach Bob Surace, to ESPN: "[Tiger Bech] was just starting a successful career in the business world...There were two or three times we had career nights, and you could call him with a day's notice, and he came down and shared his experiences as a young professional with our team."
Perez's employer, Usher, on the GoFundMe page: "She was so beautiful and full of life.... I'm hoping to get some help for her burial expenses and to help her son with expenses he will need to transition into a new living situation."
Belal Badawi, father of Karem Badawi, on Facebook: "It is with great sadness and grief, and with hearts satisfied with Allah's decision and destiny, I announce the death of my son. We ask Allah Almighty to shower his mercy on him, and give us patience and strength to overcome."
Archbishop Shaw High School, the alma mater of Hubert Gauthreaux: "It is with great sorrow that we share that alum Hubert Gauthreaux, Class of 2021, was tragically killed in the senseless act of violence that occurred early this morning in the French Quarter. He was 21 years old."
"We are asking the entire Archbishop Shaw family to pray for the repose of Hubert's soul, his family and friends during this difficult time, and all those affected by this tragedy.
"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
"May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace."
Christopher Roberts, Auburn University president, in a statement: "On behalf of Auburn University, I send my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of 2023 graduate Drew Dauphin, who was taken from us in the New Orleans terror attack. Words cannot convey the sorrow the Auburn family feels for Drew's family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time."
Chestnut Hill College, in a statement about Billy DiMaio: "Billy was a leader within our community who shined not only as a star student in the classroom, but also as a top athlete, serving as a Captain on our 2022 championship Lacrosse team."
New Orleans Governor Jeff Landry, on Fox News: "Each of those is a reminder of the terrorism that exists and the evil out there that they want to inflict on America."
What's Next
The FBI is the lead agency in the investigation. Anyone with information that can assist is asked to contact the FBI's New Orleans Bureau by calling (504) 816-3000 or by emailing tips@fbi.gov.
The public is being asked to avoid Bourbon Street north from Canal to Dumaine Street, east to Royal Street, and west to Dauphine Street until further notice.
Update 1/1/25, 7:05 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Update 1/2/25, 11 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Update 1/2/25, 3:45 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Update 1/3/25, 9:39 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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