"Praying for our city" - Pelicans stars Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray pay tribute to victims of Bourbon Street tragedy
The New Orleans Pelicans’ Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray paid their tributes to the victims of the Bourbon Street tragedy that occurred in the early hours of New Year’s Day. The Pelicans stars took to Instagram stories on Wednesday evening to show their support to the city.
As per the New York Times, at least 15 people were killed when a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran drove a pickup truck into crowds in the French Quarter of New Orleans at around 3:15 a.m. He then open fired at the crowd before being killed in a shootout with the police. The NYT also reported that he had an Islamic State flag in his truck.
The Pelicans and NFL’s New Orleans Saints released a joint statement condemning the tragic event and showed support to all the victims and the city itself. Zion Williamson reshared the post on his Instagram stories with the caption:
“Praying for our city and those impacted by the tragic events that took place early this morning.”
Dejounte Murray reshared the post on his story as well.
The joint statement by the Pelicans and Saints read:
"Out hearts go out to all victims and their families during this difficult time and express our deepest gratitude to the first responders who acted swiftly and bravely on the scene.
"New Orleans is a city built on resilience, and this heartbreaking event reminds us of the importance of coming together to support one another, to honor those affected, and to work toward healing as a community. In times of tragedy, the New Orleans community has always shown extraordinary courage and compassion, and we are certain that this time will be no different."
Pelicans coach Willie Green called the tragedy “a senseless act of violence”
Before the New Orleans Pelicans played the Miami Heat and lost 119-108 on Wednesday, New Orleans coach Willie Green spoke about the tragedy, per CBS News:
"Devastated. Obviously our hearts and our prayers, our thoughts go out to all the families that are impacted by a senseless act of violence.
“We discussed it a bit with our players. But we're just living in times and in a world where you don't know where you're safe. Schools, churches, people should be able to go out and have a good time and walk the streets. It's devastating. And I can only imagine what those families are going through, what they have to deal with now for the rest of their lives."
Green added that he got to know of the tragic event from his dad:
"I got a text from my dad this morning and he was wishing me a happy new year, but saying he was praying for all the people in New Orleans. I didn't know what he was talking about at the time. And then I read the news and saw what was going on."