A 31-year-old British man, Edward Pettifer, has been confirmed as one of the 14 victims of a deadly vehicle attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. Pettifer, from Chelsea, died from blunt force injuries sustained during the attack, according to the New Orleans coroner.
The attack occurred in the French Quarter around 3:15 am local time, when a suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, allegedly drove a pickup truck into crowds of revelers. Jabbar then exited the vehicle and fired a gun before being shot by police.
Pettifer’s family released a statement expressing their devastation at the loss of their loved one. “He was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend to so many,” they said. “We will all miss him terribly.”
The Metropolitan Police are supporting Pettifer’s family, and the Foreign Office is working with US authorities to return his body to the UK.
The attack has been condemned by world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, who stated that the attacker was inspired by the Islamic State group. The FBI found an Islamic State flag in the vehicle, and explosive devices were discovered nearby.
UK leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, have also expressed their condolences and offered support to those affected.
