UK police are supporting the victim’s family.
A British national has been named as one of the victim’s of the New Year’s Day truck attack in New Orleans, in which 14 people were killed and at least 35 more were injured.
The Metropolitan Police have released a statement identifying Edward Pettifer – a 31-year-old from Chelsea, London – as one of those who lost their lives during the deadly attack, which was targeted at civilians enjoying New Year’s celebrations in the southern US city on Wednesday.
Family Liaison Officers are providing specialist support to Mr Pettifer’s family, and will guide them through the repatriation and coronial processes.
The family issued the following statement: “The entire family are devastated at the tragic news of Ed‘s death in New Orleans. He was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew and a friend to so many.
“We will all miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with the other families who have lost their family members due to this terrible attack. We request that we can grieve the loss of Ed as a family in private. Thank you.”
At 03:15 local time on Wednesday, a pick-up truck ploughed into crowds gathered on the popular Bourbon Street – known globally as one of the largest places for New Year’s Eve parties – in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter.
CCTV footage from the scene shows a white Ford truck racing onto the pavement before hitting several pedestrians.
The video then shows the attacker getting out of the car and firing at police officers, injuring two. The assailant – later identified as army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar – died following the gunfight with three responding officers.
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The 42-year-old was a US citizen, born in Texas. His brother revealed to CBS News that Din Jabbar was raised Muslim but left the religion for many years and only recently returned to his faith.
Among the dead were Martin “Tiger” Bech, a 27-year-old former college football star, 18-year-old aspiring nurse Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, and Hubert Gauthreaux, a 21-year-old local who had just texted his family: “I love you”, after ringing in the new year.
Condemnation of the attack came from several countries, including Britain, France, Germany and Mexico.
Sir Keir Starmer said on Wednesday: “The shockingly violent attack in New Orleans is horrific. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, the emergency responders and the people of the United States at this tragic time.”
