Athens community in somber mood after New Orleans terror attack
ATHENS, Ga. - Many on the University of Georgia campus in Athens are still trying to process the deadly violence on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
The attack, which the FBI has called a terrorist act, cast a shadow over the normally festive bowl season mood, as students, alumni, and the rest of the community waited for updates on the investigation and the condition of dozens of victims.
Officials have not yet released the names of the 14 people killed in the New Year's Day truck attack. About 30 people were injured.
Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies work the scene on Bourbon Street after 14 people were killed when a person allegedly drove into the crowd in the early morning hours of New Year's Day on Jan. 1, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo
THE LATEST ON THE NEW ORLEANS TRUCK ATTACK
Hours after the violence, University of Georgia President Jere Morehead released a statement on X saying that a student was critically injured in the attack.
"I am deeply saddened by the devastating attack in New Orleans overnight, and I extend my sincere condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this terrible tragedy," he wrote.
Morehead confirmed that the injured student, identified as Elle Eisele by her Florida high school, is receiving medical care.
MORE: New Orleans truck attack: What we know about the victims
"It is really sad for what happened," UGA student Thomas Chipman said. "It’s definitely something that all of us Georgia students and fans are thinking about."
The sophomore told FOX 5 that seeing the news when he woke up made him sick to his stomach and the attack had left a cloud over the mood in Athens.
The university is currently on winter break, but some students who remained in Athens said the streets seem quieter than normal.
New Orleans terror attack: Who are the victims?
This terror attack has upended the lives of so many people who were just having a good time celebrating the New Year. The FBI says a man on mission to cause terror went on a killing spree on New Orleans most famous street killing 14 and injuring dozens of others, including a University of Georgia student.
"To have one of our own hurt by some random attack like that is definitely kind of frightening," sophomore Mary Schroer said. "It definitely did put a damper on things … it's definitely nerve-wracking."
Schroer said the entire campus' thoughts are with their classmate.
"We all have her in our prayers, hoping she heals quickly," she said.
Eisele is being treated at University Medical Center in New Orleans. There has been no update on her current condition.
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The Source: Information for this story came from a report by FOX 5's Chris King and Lindsay Tuman as well as additional information from previous FOX 5 reporting.