Alabama freshman among dead after New Orleans terrorism attack, school announces

Alabama freshman Kareem Badawi is among the dead after Wednesday’s terrorism attack in New Orleans, the university announced. A Baton Rouge native, he arrived in Tuscaloosa this fall.

Badawi graduated from the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge in May 2024 before heading to Alabama. He also pledged to join the Sigma Chi fraternity during his first semester, according to AL.com.

“I learned today that Kareem Badawi, one of our students at The University of Alabama, was killed in the terrorist attack in New Orleans,” Alabama president Stuart R. Bell said in a statement. “I grieve alongside family and friends of Kareem in their heartbreaking loss.”

Badawi’s father also released a statement about his son’s death via Facebook on Wednesday. Belal Badawi confirmed his son passed away in the attack, which killed at least 14 others in the early morning hours on New Year’s Day.

“It is with great sadness and grief, and with hearts satisfied with Allah’s decision and destiny, I announce the death of my son,” Belal Badawi wrote. “We ask Allah Almighty to shower his mercy on him, and give us patience and strength to overcome.”

Kareem Badawi is the latest known victim of the attack. Georgia president Jere Moorhead announced a UGA student was among the injured, as well, after a suspect drove a pickup truck down Bourbon Street after 3 a.m. local time before opening fire on police. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

Law enforcement found explosives in the vehicle. In addition, a flag supporting an Islamic State group was also discovered.

Officials announced the death toll at 10 earlier Wednesday, but that number grew to at least 15 later in the day. In addition, the Sugar Bowl between Georgia and Notre Dame will now take place Thursday – less than 24 hours after its original 7:45 p.m. ET kickoff time on Wednesday – as law enforcement continue to prioritize public safety.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families as we work through this,” said Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley in a statement. “We have full faith and confidence in the governor and the mayor and all the federal, state, and local first-responders that they’ve applied to this horrific event.

“Any time we have an event like the Sugar Bowl, public safety is paramount, and all parties involved agree that could only be achieved with a postponement. Now we will move ahead to take care of the details to make the Sugar Bowl the first-class, fun, and safe event that it has been for over 90 years.”