Hoda Kotb expressed solidarity with the city of New Orleans following the tragic attack on Bourbon Street. During a live broadcast of the New Year’s Day Rose Parade in Pasadena, California on Peacock, Hoda and parade co-host Al Roker took a moment to address the New Year’s Eve incident in the French Quarter. “Before we kick off the celebrations, we want to offer our deepest sympathies to all those affected by the tragic events that unfolded in New Orleans earlier today,” Roker stated at the beginning of the broadcast.
Kotb added, “Many people woke up to the heartbreaking news, and we just want to convey that our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in New Orleans. New Orleans holds a special place in my heart, and it was truly devastating to hear the news this morning. However, we aim to bring some positivity today, so we’re grateful to be here with you all this morning.”
With a deep connection to the vibrant city, Hoda shared her sentiments about New Orleans in a 2023 video feature with Southern Living magazine, saying, “New Orleans has a pulse. It’s vibrant. When the city rejoices, we rejoice, and when it suffers, we suffer. It possesses a spirit. That’s how I would characterize New Orleans.”
Last spring, Hoda and Jenna Bush Hager commemorated their fifth anniversary of co-hosting TODAY with Hoda & Jenna by broadcasting the show from New Orleans. The city holds a special significance for Hoda, as she resided there in the ’90s and worked as a local news reporter from 1992 to 1998 before joining NBC.
The tragic incident on New Year’s Eve left more than 30 individuals injured and at least 10 fatalities after a driver deliberately rammed a Ford pickup truck into a crowd of pedestrians. The FBI is investigating the act as a potential act of terrorism, with the suspect identified as Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42. The attack took place around 3:15 a.m. on January 1, and authorities confirmed that the suspect was killed during a confrontation with law enforcement.
“This individual was intent on causing as much harm and chaos as possible,” stated Anne Kirkpatrick, superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department, during a press briefing. “His sole purpose was to inflict the devastating damage that he did.”
The original version of this article was first published on TODAY.com.
