Sugar Bowl football game postponed after New Orleans attack
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Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies work the scene on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Photo: Michael DeMocker/Getty Images
College football's Sugar Bowl in New Orleans was postponed to Thursday after a pickup truck attack in the French Quarter early New Year's Day killed at least 10 people and injured more than 35 others.
The big picture: Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley announced the bowl, scheduled for Wednesday evening, will now be played Thursday at 3pm local time as the FBI investigates the Bourbon Street attack as an act of terrorism.
- The attack took place just a mile away from where the University of Georgia Bulldogs were scheduled to face off with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish for the College Football Playoff's quarterfinals.
- The bowl game, which has been played annually in the city since 1935, brings more than 100,000 fans to the city annually, organizers estimate.
Driving the news: "We have been in consultation with ... all parties, and all agree that it's in the best interest of everybody and public safety that we postpone the game for 24 hours," Hundley said at a news conference.
- Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry told reporters at the conference that the facility and the city are "safer today than ... yesterday," noting that federal officials will help ensure New Orleans has the necessary resources to protect citizens and guests at future events.
- To those questioning whether they still wish to attend Thursday's game, Landry assured, "I'll tell you one thing — your governor is going to be there."
Catch up quick: The attack early Wednesday left at least 10 people dead and 35 injured.
- The FBI identified the suspect in the attack as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas. He died after exchanging gunfire with law enforcement, the agency said.
- University of Georgia President Jere Morehead confirmed in a statement that a UGA student was critically injured in the attack and receiving medical treatment.
State of play: In addition to its annual college football showdown, the city has been preparing to host the Super Bowl in February.
- The NFL said in a Wednesday statement that it has been working with local, state and federal agencies over the past two years to develop "comprehensive security plans" ahead of the upcoming Super Bowl LIX.
Zoom out: Ahead of Wednesday's Peach Bowl in Atlanta, police said in a statement that specialized units and additional personnel will be deployed to parts of the city "as an added precaution."
Go deeper: "We will rise again": Officials react to deadly New Orleans attack
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional information.
