UA Student, Baton Rouge Native Killed In New Year's Terrorist Attack In New Orleans

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A University of Alabama freshman was one of at least 15 people killed in a New Year's Day terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

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UA President Stuart Bell confirmed Wednesday that Kareem Badawi, a native of Baton Rouge, was among the numerous victims as the death toll from the attack continues to rise.

"I grieve alongside family and friends of Kareem in their heartbreaking loss," Bell said. "Our staff have been actively engaged in supportive outreach and the Office of Student Care and Well Being is available at 205-348-2461 or bamacares@ua.edu. Please take a moment to pray for those impacted by this tragedy."

Badawi was a 2024 graduate of Episcopal High School, where he played football.

Episcopal High School also had another former student, Parker Vidrine, killed in the attack.

"It is with great sadness and grief, and with hearts satisfied with Allah's decision and destiny, I announce the death of my son, who died early today in the morning as a result of a tragic accident in New Orleans," Badawi's father, Belal Badawi, said on social media.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday identified the individual responsible for the attack as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar — a U.S. citizen from Texas who had previously served in the military.

"FBI special agents and our law enforcement partners are currently conducting a number of court-authorized search warrants in New Orleans and other states," the FBI said in a statement. "The FBI's Evidence Response Team continues to process the crime scene to meticulously gather all relevant evidence. The FBI plans to turn over the Bourbon Street crime scene to local authorities by early [Thursday] morning. Additional FBI resources, including victim specialists, are responding to assist victims and family members."

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