A teenage girl who aspired to be a nurse and a graduate of Princeton University are among the first victims of the attack in New Orleans to be named.
Officials have not yet released the names of the 14 people killed after a man drove a pick-up truck into crowds on New Year’s Day, but some of their loved ones have started sharing their stories.
The suspect has been identified by the FBI as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabba, who was born and raised in the US.
The bureau is treating the attack as terrorism after an Islamic State (IS) flag was found on the back of the vehicle Jabba was driving. He was later killed in a shoot-out with police.
Here are the victims who have been named so far by their loved ones.
Ni’Kyra Cheyenne Dedeaux
Image: Ni’Kyra Cheyenne Dedeaux. Pic: NOLA, city of New Orleans
Ni’Kyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, 18, died after being struck by the vehicle while celebrating the start of 2025 with her friend Zion Parsons.
Mr Parsons, also 18, has said Ms Dedeaux dreamed of becoming a nurse.
“I told him I love him, he told me he loved me even more, hung up the phone – and that was the last words I ever spoke to him.”
Image: Tiger Bech (left) and Jack Bech (right). Pic: Jack Bech
Mr Bech said his brother was his best friend and role model.
“He was loved by so many people. He always made time for the little guy. He was special,” he said.
His family managed to see him while he was unconscious in hospital but still alive, time that Mr Bech said was precious to them.
“He couldn’t respond to any of us, but I truly believe he could hear us, his eyes were closed.”
Head coach of the Princeton Tigers, the team Tiger Bech played for, described him as a “tiger in every way”.
“There was no more appropriate nickname of a Princeton player I coached,” Bob Surace said.
“He was a ‘Tiger’ in every way – a ferocious competitor with endless energy, a beloved teammate and a caring friend. Our last conversation was about how proud I was of the growth he showed during his time at Princeton and the success he was having after graduation.”
Matthew Tenedorio, 25, was shot dead by the attacker after he got out of the vehicle and opened fire after ploughing into crowds, his mother said.
Cathy Tenedorio, from Carriere in Mississippi, said she had dinner with her son on New Year’s Eve.
She told Sky News: “Matthew and his friends all decided to go into The Quarter. We tried to talk him out of it.
“They were walking down Bourbon Street at around 3.15am when everything happened right in front of them.
“The truck crashed into a construction lift. The man jumped out and started firing the gun.
“My son was killed instantly… I just hugged and kissed him last night. Told him I loved him. He had so much hope, a great future working at the Super Dome stadium in New Orleans. He had the job of his dreams.”
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Moment police react to news of attack
The New Orleans Saints confirmed Mr Tenedorio was a video producer who helped make content for both the NFL team and the New Orleans Pelicans basketball team.
“We remain heartbroken by the tragic events that claimed innocent lives in our city yesterday,” the Saints wrote on their official X page.
“Among those lost was Matthew Tenedorio, a valued member of the ASM New Orleans video production team.
“Matthew was young, talented and had a bright future.
“Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are with the Tenedrio family and everyone affected by this senseless act of terrorism.”
Nicole Perez
Image: Nicole Perez
Single mother Nicole Perez was also among those killed in the attack.
Ms Perez, who was in her late 20s, had a four-year-old son.
She had recently been promoted to manager in her job and was “really excited about it”, her employer Kimberly Usher has said.
Ms Perez would bring her son, Melo, to work and teach him basic learning skills during her breaks.
“She was a really good mum,” said Ms Usher, who started a GoFundMe account to cover Ms Perez’s burial costs.
Another victim that has been named is father-of-two Reggie Hunter from Baton Rouge in Louisiana.
His cousin, Shirell Jackson, told NBC News the 37-year-old warehouse manager was an “awesome person” and “a little-bitty guy” with a “big heart.”
He had been with another cousin who survived the attack, she said.
Hubert Gauthreaux
Image: Hubert Gauthreaux. Pic: NOLA, city of New Orleans
Hubert Gauthreaux, 21, was identified as being among those killed in the attack by his former high school.
In a statement, the Archbishop Shaw High School in Marrero, Louisiana, said: “It is with great sorrow that we share that alum Hubert Gauthreaux, class of 2021, was tragically killed in the senseless act of violence that occurred early this morning in the French Quarter.
“We are asking the entire Archbishop Shaw family to pray for the repose of Hubert’s soul, his family and friends during this difficult time, and all those affected by this tragedy.”
Kareem Badawi
Image: Kareem Badawi. Pic: Facebook/Belal Badawi
University of Alabama student Kareem Badawi was also one of the victims.
President of the university, Stuart R Bell said in a statement posted on Facebook that he grieves alongside Ms Badawi’s family and friends in their “heartbreaking loss”.
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What we know about the New Orleans attack
“Our staff have been actively engaged in supportive outreach and the office of student care and wellbeing is available,” he said.
“Please take a moment to pray for those impacted by this tragedy.”
Drew Dauphin
Image: Drew Dauphin. Pic:@AuburnU/ X
Posting on its X account, Alabama’s Auburn University said 2023 graduate Drew Dauphin “was taken from us in the New Orleans terror attack”.
“Words cannot convey the sorrow the Auburn Family feels for Drew’s family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time,” said university president Christopher B Roberts.
Billy DiMaio
Image: Billy DiMaio
Long Island native Billy DiMaio, 25, was in Louisiana to celebrate new year with his friends when the terror attack happened.
His parents, Bill and Tracie DiMaio, told The Times-Picayune and The New Orleans Advocate newspaper that their son was a “good, humble kid” who “loved life”.
He worked for US broadcasting company Audacy Inc, which said in a statement that it was “heartbroken” about his death, the newspaper reported.
“Beyond his professional achievements, Billy will be fondly remembered for his unwavering work ethic, positive attitude, and kindness. He was a true asset to the Audacy team, and his contributions and presence will be deeply missed,” the company said.
The oldest of three children, Mr DiMaio was close with his brother and sister and considered his father his best friend. He also had a tattoo featuring all of his cousins’ names, the newspaper reported.
He graduated from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia in 2022, where he captained the championship lacrosse team.
The college said in a statement it is reflecting on the “positive impact he had upon so many in our close community”.
Terrence Kennedy
Image: Terrence Kennedy
The family of Terrence Kennedy confirmed he was one of the victims of the New Orleans attack to NBC.
The 63-year-old was born and raised in the city and is remembered for his kindness and his big heart, his family told NBC affiliate WDSU.
His sister Jacqueline Kennedy said in a tearful video on Facebook that while she had asked for prayers after her brother who was on Bourbon Street and was missing, she had to confirm he was dead.
“I’m sorry to have to tell you all that he didn’t make it,” she said. The post was titled: “My brother Terry Is Gone.”
Donald Trump says the Gaza ceasefire should be cancelled if all remaining Israeli hostages are not returned by noon on Saturday – as he warned Hamas that “all hell is going to break out”.
The US president’s intervention came hours after Hamas has said it will delay the release of more hostages and accused Israel of violating their ceasefire deal.
While signing a series of new executive orders, Mr Trump said he feared many Israeli hostages scheduled for release are already dead.
Referring to his Saturday deadline for the release of hostages, Mr Trump said: “If they’re not here, all hell is going to break out.”
He acknowledged that a decision to end the ceasefire was up to Israel, adding: “I’m speaking for myself. Israel can override it.”
Hours earlier, Mr Trump said Palestinians would not have the right to return under his plan for US “ownership” of Gaza – contradicting officials in his administration who said they would be relocated temporarily.
Image: Widespread destruction seen in Gaza City. Pic: AP
Hamas halts release of hostages
Earlier on Monday, Hamas claimed ceasefire violations had included “delaying the return of the displaced to the northern Gaza Strip, and targeting them with shelling and gunfire”.
Spokesman Abu Obeida said Hamas remained committed if Israel kept to the terms, but that the 15 February handover was postponed “until the occupation commits to and compensates for the past weeks”.
Egyptian security sources told Reuters that mediators now fear the deal will break down.
They said Hamas believes Israel isn’t serious about the ceasefire – which began on 19 January.
They were among about 250 people taken during the 7 October 2023 attack, when 1,200 people were murdered.
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Tears as Thai hostages return home
Five swaps have taken place so far, with 21 hostages and more than 730 Palestinian prisoners released.
Saturday’s exchange was due to involve three more Israelis and hundreds of Palestinians.
Defence minister Israel Katz said any delay in releasing hostages would be “a complete violation” and he had instructed troops to be on highest alert.
The Hostages and Missing Family Forum called on mediating countries to restore the deal, saying “time is of the essence” and citing “the shocking conditions of the hostages released last Saturday”.
The four-mile-long Netzarim corridor separates northern Gaza from the south, and hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians have now crossed back over.
However, Israel pushed back the withdrawal by a few days in protest at the chaotic release of hostages Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses.
This may be what Hamas is referencing what it talks of “delaying the return of the displaced”.
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Palestinians return to destroyed Netzarim
There have also been examples of Israeli troops shooting at or near Palestinians approaching Israeli forces after being warned to stay back.
So far, little progress has been made on an extension to the first six-week phase of the ceasefire.
A delegation from Israel has arrived in Qatar for further talks amid concern the deal might collapse before all remaining hostages are freed.
Israel has previously said it will not agree to a complete withdrawal from Gaza until Hamas’s military and political capabilities are eliminated.
Hamas has countered that it will not hand over the final hostages until Israel removes all its troops from Gaza.
Image: ‘We were being pummelled by both friend and foe alike,’ said the US president
The proclamations mean the president has now removed the exceptions and exemptions from his 2018 tariffs on steel to allow for all imports of the metal to be taxed at 25%.
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The new tariff on aluminium is also much higher than the 10% duty he imposed on the material in his first term.
The tariffs are part of an aggressive push by Mr Trump to reset global trade, as he claims that price hikes on the people and companies buying foreign-made products will ultimately strengthen domestic manufacturing.
Outside economic analyses suggest the tariffs would increase costs for the factories that use steel and aluminium, possibly leaving US manufacturers worse off.
Canada, the largest source of steel imports to the US, criticised the move.
Candace Laing, CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, said Mr Trump was destabilising the global economy.
“Today’s news makes it clear that perpetual uncertainty is here to stay,” she said.
At least part of the idea behind tariffs is to bring some production back to the US, but imposing them will have consequences.
What kinds of consequences? Well, at its simplest, tariffs push up prices. This is, when you think about it, blindingly obvious.
A tariff is a tax on a good entering the country.
So if aluminium and steel are going up in price then that means, all else equal, that the cost of making everything from aircraft wings to steel rivets also goes up.
That in turn means consumers end up paying the price – and if a company can’t make ends meet in the face of these tariffs, it means job losses – possibly within the very industrial sectors the president wants to protect.
So says the economic theory. But in practice, economics isn’t everything.
There are countless examples throughout history of countries defying economic logic in search of other goals.
Perhaps they want to improve their national self-reliance in a given product; perhaps they want to ensure certain jobs in cherished areas or industries are protected.
But nothing comes for free, and even if Donald Trump’s tariffs succeed in persuading domestic producers to smelt more aluminium or steel, such things don’t happen overnight.
In the short run, it’s hard to see how these tariffs wouldn’t be significantly inflationary.
Donald Trump has said Palestinians would have no right to return to Gaza under his proposal to relocate its population and rebuild the Strip.
The president last week debuted his suggestion to “own” Gaza and shut out Hamas while it’s redeveloped, but has now contradicted officials who had said any relocation would be temporary.
Asked by Fox News if Palestinians could return, he replied: “No, they wouldn’t, because they’re going to have much better housing. In other words, I’m talking about building a permanent place for them.”
Speaking on Monday at the White House, Mr Trump also suggested the current ceasefire in Gaza should end on Saturday if Hamas does not release hostages as planned.
He then went further, saying all the remaining hostages should be released by midday on Saturday, or the ceasefire should be cancelled – and that “all hell is going to break out” if the hostages are not freed then.
But the US president added: “I’m speaking for myself. Israel can override it.”
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‘I would own this’ – Trump on Gaza
Mr Trump told Fox News his future vision for Gazawas to build multiple “safe communities, a little bit away from where they are, where all of this danger is”, adding the area is currently “not habitable”.
He said he believed he could cut a deal with Jordan or Egypt to take people in.
However, Arab allies – including Egypt and Saudi Arabia – have dismissed the idea of relocating Gaza’s two-million-plus population.
Western countries have also rejected the proposal; an independent state for Palestinians remains the favoured way forward but is a no-go for the Israeli government.
When asked in the media, Palestinians have also rubbished the idea.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has supported Mr Trump’s controversial proposal.
Image: Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office. Pic: Reuters
Much of Gaza lies in ruins due to Israel‘s attempt to wipe out Hamas after its 2023 terror attack that killed around 1,200 people in Israel.
About 250 were also kidnapped, but those still alive have started to be released in recent weeks after a hard-won truce took effect last month.
Since the ceasefire began on 19 January, five swaps have taken place – with 16 Israeli and five Thai hostages released.
In total, Israel has said it will release up to 1,904 Palestinian prisoners in return for 33 Israeli hostages during the deal’s first phase.
Prospect of no return most offensive part of radical plan
From Donald Trump, it’s a hardened “No”. Asked directly if Palestinians would have the right to return to a redeveloped Gaza, he told Fox News Channel’s Brett Baier: “No, they wouldn’t, because they’re going to have much better housing.”
If the notion of Trump building on Gaza has offended its people, most offensive is the prospect for them of no return. Since Donald Trump first suggested taking and building on Palestinian land, observers in America, the Middle East and all countries in between have been assessing its seriousness.
Everything he’s said since indicates he’s committed both to the project and to ignoring entrenched objections from allies and adversaries alike.
In spite of flat refusals by Jordan and Egypt to resettle Palestinians in those countries, Trump said: “I think I could make a deal with Jordan. I think I could make a deal with Egypt. You know, we give them billions and billions of dollars a year.”
If peace in the Middle East was a matter of money, it would have been solved long ago. Tuesday’s meeting in Washington between Trump and Jordan’s King Abdullah won’t be easy.
In the White House, the Jordanian leader will talk numbers of his own – the hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees already living in the Hashemite kingdom and the instability threatened by moving more.
Trump is also due to meet the Egyptian president and the Saudi crown prince in the coming days – it is a chorus of Arab voices to caution an expansionist president at a delicate time, as parties involved in the current conflict work through the phases of a ceasefire deal.
Trump’s plan is radical and it invites fresh-eyed debate over a way forward for the region.
However, it is the property deal that separates a people from their home – again. At the heart of a radical plan, it’s the inherent recklessness.
So far, little progress has been made on an extension to the first six-week phase of the ceasefire.
A delegation from Israel has arrived in Qatar for further talks amid concern the deal might collapse before all remaining hostages are freed.