FORT MYERS, Fla — Two Fort Myers women are among the victims of what the FBI is calling an 'act of terrorism' after a vehicle attack left at least 10 dead and dozens of others injured.
Fox 4 has confirmed that Elle Eisele and Steele Idelson were taken to the University Medical Center of New Orleans after the attack.
Both women graduated from the Canterbury School in 2023 and played on the school's soccer team. The school released a statement on behalf of their families.
“The Eisele and Idelson families are deeply grateful for the outpouring of thoughts, prayers, and offers of support for our daughters following the tragic attack in New Orleans. We are especially thankful for the exceptional care and compassion they are receiving at University Medical Center," the statement says.
"We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the first responders, whose swift actions may have saved our daughters’ lives. To everyone who has reached out with love and support, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Social media posts indicate Eisele currently attends the University of Georgia.
Statement from President Jere W. Morehead:
— UGA (@universityofga) January 1, 2025
I am deeply saddened by the devastating attack in New Orleans overnight, and I extend my sincere condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this terrible tragedy.
At this point, we have learned that a…
UGA was scheduled to play Notre Dame in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Wednesday evening.
The game has now been postponed until Thursday, January 2 at 3 p.m.
The FBI said 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran from Texas, drove into a crowd of revelers around 3:15 a.m. local time in the popular area of Bourbon and Canal Street.
Law enforcement officials said that the suspect was killed following a shootout with police. Two officers were also wounded in the incident but are in stable condition, according to police.
A photo circulated among law enforcement officials showed a bearded Jabbar wearing camouflage next to the truck after he was killed by police, according to The Associated Press.
