New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson donated $100,000 to support the victims of the deadly terror attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day.
Fifteen people were killed and at least 30 were injured in the act of terrorism when 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar barreled down Bourbon Street in a rented truck around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas, was “inspired” by the Islamic State, President Joe Biden said. The suspect had the group’s flag in the truck he used, per the FBI, and he was killed in a police shootout.
On Friday, Jan. 3, ESPN’s Malika Andrews reported that Williamson, 24, donated $100,000 to the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s Tragedy Fund. The fund is “raising money to help the families of the victims and survivors start to heal and recover from this heartbreaking tragedy,” per the official site.
“As a father, son and someone who loves the community, this hit me hard. This isn’t just about money — but standing together and making sure no one feels alone,” Williamson told ESPN.
The Pelicans shared Andrews’ report on its Instagram Stories. The team is scheduled to play in New Orleans against the Washington Wizards on Friday, Jan. 3.
“I’m devastated,” Pelicans head coach Willie Green told reporters hours after the attack, reports the Associated Press. He described it as a “senseless act of violence” and said he discussed the attack with his players.
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Williamson, born in Salisbury, N.C, was selected by The Pelicans with the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. In 2022, the former Duke University player signed a $197.23 million contract extension, intending to keep him on the team through the 2027-28 season, per The Bleacher Report.
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The Allstate Sugar Bowl at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome was scheduled to be played on New Year’s Day, but was postponed until Thursday. Before kick-off, University of Georgia and Notre Dame players joined the crowd for a moment of silence for the victims of the attack.
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University of Georgia President Jere W. Morehead noted that one of the university’s students was also “critically injured” in the attack and was “receiving medical treatment.” Other victims of the attack included Nicole Perez, mom to a 4-year-old; Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, an aspiring nurse; former Princeton football player Martin “Tiger” Bech; and Reggie Hunter, a proud father, per the BBC.
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