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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

Ni’Kyra Cheyenne Dedeaux. Pic: NOLA, City of New Orleans
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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.

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He said: “A truck hit the corner and comes barrelling through throwing people like in a movie scene, throwing people into the air.

“It hit her and flung her like at least 30 feet and I was just lucky to be alive.”

Martin ‘Tiger’ Bech

Tiger Bech has been named as one of the victims. Pic: Family
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Tiger Bech. Pic: Family

Tiger Bech, a 27-year-old Princeton University graduate, lived in New York City, where he was a junior bond trader for a Wall Street company.

His brother, Jack Bech, told Sky’s US correspondent James Matthews: “The last thing we ever said to each other, he told me he loved me.

“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.”

Pic: Jack Bech
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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.”

Analysis: IS flag stark reminder extremist ideology never went away

Matthew Tenedorio

Matthew Tenedorio
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Matthew Tenedorio

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

Nicole Perez
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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.

Read more:
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New Orleans eyewitnesses describe carnage
New Year’s carnage haunts New Orleans – but ‘Big Easy’ has suffered before

Reggie Hunter

Reggie Hunter
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Reggie Hunter

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

Hubert Gauthreaux. Pic: NOLA, City of New Orleans
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

Kareem Badawi. Pic: Facebook/Belal Badawi
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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

Drew Dauphin. Pic:@AuburnU/ X
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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

Billy DiMaio
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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

terrence kennedy
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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.”

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Donald Trump plans to hit Canada with new tariff – while warning of blanket hike for other countries

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Donald Trump plans to hit Canada with new tariff - while warning of blanket hike for other countries

Donald Trump has said he plans to hit Canada with a 35% tariff on imported goods, as he warned of a blanket 15 or 20% hike for most other countries.

In a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the US president wrote: “I must mention that the flow of Fentanyl is hardly the only challenge we have with Canada, which has many Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers.”

Mr Trump’s tariffs were allegedly an effort to get Canada to crack down on fentanyl smuggling, and the US president has expressed frustration with Canada’s trade deficit with the US.

In a statement Mr Carney said: “Throughout the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and businesses. We will continue to do so as we work towards the revised deadline of August 1.”

He added: “Canada has made vital progress to stop the scourge of fentanyl in North America. We are committed to continuing to work with the United States to save lives and protect communities in both our countries.”

Mr Trump has sent a series of tariff letters to 23 countries so far, including one putting a 50% tariff on Brazil in part for the ongoing trial of its former president Jair Bolsonaro for trying to stay in office after he lost the election in 2022.

Mr Trump was similarly indicted for his efforts to overturn his election loss in 2020.

The higher rates would go into effect on 1 August.

Shortly after Mr Trump unveiled his “Liberation Day” tariffs on 2 April, there was a huge sell-off on the financial markets. The US president later announced a 90-day negotiating period, during which a 10% baseline tariff would be charged on most imported goods.

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But in an interview with Sky News’s partner network NBC News, Mr Trump said he plans to impose higher blanket tariffs on most US trade partners.

“We’re just going to say all of the remaining countries are going to pay, whether it’s 20% or 15%. We’ll work that out now,” he said.

He added: “I think the tariffs have been very well-received. The stock market hit a new high today.”

The US and UK signed a trade deal in June, with the US president calling it “a fair deal for both” and saying it will “produce a lot of jobs, a lot of income”.

Sir Keir Starmer said the document “implements” the deal to cut tariffs on cars and aerospace, adding: “So this is a very good day for both of our countries – a real sign of strength.”

Read more:
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The US president also teased a “major statement” he will make on Russia over its war with Ukraine.

“I’m disappointed in Russia, but we’ll see what happens over the next couple of weeks,” he said.

“I think I’ll have a major statement to make on Russia on Monday.”

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It comes as Russia’s deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, said a new round of talks between Moscow and Washington on bilateral problems could take place before the end of the summer.

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Palestinian activist detained by ICE suing Trump administration for $20m

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Palestinian activist detained by ICE suing Trump administration for m

A Palestinian activist who was detained for over three months in a US immigration jail after protesting against Israel is suing Donald Trump’s administration for $20m (£15m) in damages.

Lawyers for Mahmoud Khalil have filed a claim against the administration alleging he was falsely imprisoned, maliciously prosecuted and smeared as an antisemite as the government sought to deport him over his role in campus protests.

The 30-year-old graduate student at Columbia University told Sky News’s lead world presenter Yalda Hakim being detained by ICE agents in March “felt like kidnapping”.

He described “plain-clothed agents and unmarked cars” taking him “from one place to another, expecting you just to follow orders and shackled all the time”, which he said was “really scary”.

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Mahmoud Khalil reunites with family after release

Mr Khalil said he was not presented with an arrest warrant and wasn’t told where he was being taken.

He said the detention centre he was taken to was “as far from humane as it could be” and “a place where you have no rights whatsoever”.

“You share a dorm with over 70 men with no privacy, with lights on all the time, with really terrible food. You’re basically being dehumanised at every opportunity. It’s a black hole,” he added.

Mr Khalil said he would also accept an official apology from the Trump administration.

The Trump administration celebrated Mr Khalil’s arrest, promising to deport him and others whose protests against Israel it declared were “pro-terrorist, antisemitic, anti-American activity”.

Mr Khalil said after around 36 hours in captivity he was allowed to speak to his wife, who was pregnant at the time.

“These were very scary hours, I did not know what was happening on the outside. I did not know that my wife was safe,” he said.

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‘Absolutely absurd allegations’

Mr Khalil said administration officials had made “absolutely absurd allegations” by saying he as involved in antisemitic activities and supporting Hamas.

“They are weaponising antisemitism, weaponising anti-terrorism in order to stifle speech,” he said. “What I was engaged in is simply opposing a genocide, opposing war crimes, opposing Columbia University’s complicity in the war on Gaza.”

A State Department spokesperson said its actions toward Mr Khalil were fully supported by the law.

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Asked about missing the birth of his son while he was in prison, Mr Khalil said: “I don’t think there’s any word that can describe the agony and the sadness that I went through, to be deprived from such a divine moment, from a moment that my wife and I had always dreamed about.”

Meanwhile, the deportation case against Mr Khalil is continuing to wind its way through the immigration court system.

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Donald Trump praises Liberian president’s English – the country’s official language

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Donald Trump praises Liberian president's English - the country's official language

Donald Trump has praised the Liberian president’s command of English – the West African country’s official language.

The US president reacted with visible surprise to Joseph Boakai’s English-speaking skills during a White House meeting with leaders from the region on Wednesday.

After the Liberian president finished his brief remarks, Mr Trump told him he speaks “such good English” and asked: “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?”

Mr Trump seemed surprised when Mr Boakai laughed and responded he learned in Liberia.

The US president said: “It’s beautiful English.

“I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”

Mr Boakai did not tell Mr Trump that English is the official language of Liberia.

The country was founded in 1822 with the aim of relocating freed African slaves and freeborn black citizens from the US.

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Mr Trump promised the leaders of Liberia, Senegal, Gabon, Mauritania and Guinea-Bissau a pivot from aid to trade at the surprise meeting.

He described the countries as “all very vibrant places with very valuable land, great minerals, and great oil deposits, and wonderful people”.

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Later asked by a reporter if he’ll visit the continent, Mr Trump said, “At some point, I would like to go to Africa.”

But he added that he’d “have to see what the schedule looks like”.

Trump’s predecessor, President Joe Biden, promised to go to Africa in 2023, but only fulfilled the commitment by visiting Angola in December 2024, just weeks before he left office.

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