Holmdel To Honor Resident Killed In New Orleans Terror Attack

HOLMDEL, NJ — Holmdel will hold a moment of silence on Friday in honor of Billy DiMaio, a 25-year-old resident who was killed in the New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans.

DiMaio was identified as one of 14 people killed when a driver allegedly plunged through a crowd and shot at officers on Bourbon Street. According to a report from Nola, he was visiting New Orleans to celebrate the new year and hang out with friends attending the Sugar Bowl.

DiMaio was an account executive with Audacy Inc. and a former student and lacrosse player at Holmdel High School.

On Friday, Holmdel Public Schools will observe a moment of silence in his honor at 8 a.m., and Holmdel Mayor Brian Foster has requested that Town Hall employees observe a moment of silence at 9 a.m.

“The DiMaio family has been in my thoughts,” Foster said, “Billy embodied what this community is about. He volunteered his time and gave back to the high school lacrosse program ever since he graduated high school, in particular helping to coach the youth programs and the off-season indoor team.”

“This is a huge loss for our community,” Foster continued. “My thoughts and prayers go out to Billy’s family and friends.”

In Louisiana, Governor Jeff Landry has declared a period of mourning throughout the state in honor of the New Year's Day victims.

All flags over state buildings will be flown at half-staff on Friday in remembrance of DiMaio, and Louisana will observe a state-wide moment of silence in his honor at 9 a.m. the same day.

Since the attack on New Year’s Day, a GoFundMe has been started to support DiMaio’s family during this time. The goal for the fundraiser was $75,000. As of Tuesday afternoon, over $148,000 has been raised in donations.

“I want to take a moment to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the DiMaio family,” Dean Gallo, the fund organizer, said. “The outpouring of love and support during this time has been nothing short of extraordinary. Your kindness and solidarity mean more than words can express. Thank you.”

In addition to those killed in the New Year’s Day attack, 35 people were also injured, according to authorities.

The driver involved in the incident, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, was accused of driving a rented Ford F-150 pickup truck through the crowd before crashing it and shooting at officers. Federal officials believe he was inspired by the Islamic State militant group to carry out the attack.

Officers shot back and hit Jabbar, who was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.

Related

• Holmdel Resident ID’d As Victim Of New Orleans Attack: Report
• A Remarkable Young Man: Holmdel Mourns Athlete Killed In New Orleans
• New Orleans Attacker Visited Before, Recorded With Meta Glasses: FBI
• 8 Victims In Deadly New Orleans Massacre Identified: What We Know