Saints' Derek Carr speaks out after horrific New Orleans attack leaves 10 dead, 30 injured

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr expressed his sorrow and support for the city following a devastating terrorist attack on Bourbon Street. The attack happened during New Year's celebrations.

His message echoed the shock felt throughout the community after a driver plowed through holiday revelers in the French Quarter.

Carr, who joined the Saints in 2023 on a four-year, $150 million contract with $100 million guaranteed, has become a leading voice for the team.

The four-time Pro Bowl quarterback took to X on Jan. 1, 2025, sharing his immediate reaction after learning about the incident. The FBI later confirmed they were investigating it as an act of terrorism.

"Praying for New Orleans🙏🏼 Woke up and saw the news this morning," said Derek Carr.

The attack unfolded around 3:15 AM when a driver in a white pickup truck crashed through barricades on Bourbon Street. According to witnesses Jim and Nicole Mowrer from Iowa, the vehicle slammed through barriers "at a high rate of speed" before gunfire erupted.

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Longtime Saints defensive end Cam Jordan joined Derek Carr in expressing support for the community. His message highlighted the profound impact on New Orleans residents and visitors alike.

"Woke up to texts about what happened on bourbon street last night, God bless! A pure tragedy, sorry to all those lives that were affected," Jordan posted on X.

New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick confirmed the driver "was hellbent on creating the carnage." The incident led to a fierce gunfight, leaving two police officers injured but stable. Law enforcement recovered a long gun and potential explosive devices at the scene.

President Biden directed his administration to provide all necessary resources to support the investigation. The Justice Department's National Security Division and other federal agencies have joined local authorities in the probe.

The City of New Orleans had previously acknowledged such risks in a 2017 memo reviewed by CBS News. The document referenced similar vehicle attacks in Nice, London and New York City. Infrastructure upgrades, including modernized pedestrian bollards, were underway in the French Quarter.

For Carr, who has thrown for 2,145 yards and 15 touchdowns across 10 games this season, the tragedy hits close to home. As the Sugar Bowl college football playoff game proceeds at the nearby Superdome under heightened security, the quarterback's message stands as a reminder.