The investigation continues into the fatal attack reported early Jan. 1 in New Orleans where at least 14 people have died and another at least 25 sustained injuries.
The FBI has taken over the investigation while the New Orleans law enforcement agencies focus on securing the area for the Sugar Bowl being played Thursday afternoon (Jan. 2) in the area. The playoff game between Georgia and Notre Dame was originally scheduled for New Year’s Day but was postponed in the wake of the mass casualties.
Baptist response
New Orleans Baptist Association Executive Director Jack Hunter said chaplains with Baptist Community Ministries have been with first responders and are in area hospitals as “the tears and presence of Christ in this dark agony,” reported the Louisiana Baptist Message.
“We weep with those who mourn, and pray for those who suffer,” Hunter added. “Today (Jan. 2), area pastors are prayer walking the streets where yesterday evil and havoc were loosened.”
Jamie Dew, president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, said the incident was another reminder that the world is broken and that “we have an enemy who seeks to steal, kill and destroy. I’m confident that the Christians throughout the city of New Orleans will rise to the occasion and show the love of Jesus Christ in this dark moment. … With everyone else, we pray for the justice and mercy that only Jesus can give.”
‘Hope and truth’
Louisiana Baptist Executive Director Steve Horn told the Baptist Message, “The purposeful mass casualty attack in New Orleans is pure evil.” “I am praying now for first responders and medical personnel as they assist the injured. I am praying for families of the deceased as they deal with the horrific news. I am praying for our churches who minister in this city daily.
“On this first day of 2025 we are reminded of the evil that surrounds us,” he noted. “Join me in praying and working to establish a culture of evangelism that will counter this evil with the hope and truth of the gospel.”
For more related reports and stories on ministry efforts in New Orleans, see links below:
Response to New Orleans tragedy includes prayer, second line -Baptist Press
Relationships with NOPD, community factor in Baptist response to Bourbon Street attack -Baptist Press
New Orleans terrorist acted alone, was ‘100% inspired by ISIS,’ FBI says -Christian Post
In light of New Orleans, Christians have a better message to fight radicalization – Baptist News Global
FIRST-PERSON: Pictures of Peace: A reflection on the New Year’s Day tragedy in New Orleans -Baptist Press
NOTE: The links above are a sampling of headlines related to story and are not an endorsement of all viewpoints or reporting.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was compiled by The Baptist Paper, with reporting from Louisiana’s Baptist Message.
