Prayer service held honoring the 14 victim’s killed in the New Year’s Day terror attack
By Jasmine Franklin
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NEW ORLEANS (WDSU) — It was a somber but reflective service as the community came together to uplift families of the 14 victims killed in the New Year’s Day terror attack, just over one year ago.
Powerful harmonies filled Immaculate Conception Church during an emotional prayer service.
It was a special tribute for the victim’s families, and dozens of survivors were still processing the trauma they felt.
“I just remember being on the ground trying to figure out how to get up,” said Brittany Francois.
Francois said her life quickly flashed before her eyes while celebrating the new year of 2025.
“We were trying to get on the sidewalk we saw the truck coming in our peripheral view. I was standing sideways, and he just came through and ran over the left side of my body,” said Francois.
When a driver plowed through a crowd of people on Bourbon Street, Francois was run over.
She lives with a constant reminder of the terror attack each day, while she still recovers from serious injuries.
“My hip, tibia, my fibula, my ankle, my entire foot, all of my toes, everything to my left side,” said Francois.
Fourteen families’ lives were changed forever, losing their loved ones. A year later, they still feel pain.
“It’s just such an odd feeling because it brings you so far back that you feel like one day hasn’t even passed,” said Brooke Gauthreaux.
Brooke says it still feels surreal living life without her little brother, Hubert Gauthreaux.
“Eventually, someone came in and said I’m sorry your loved one didn’t make it,” said Gauthreaux.
Hubert Gauthreaux from the West Bank was just 21-years-old when his life was taken away.
“He loved everyone, especially his family. He was finally getting to the age where we could have a good relationship, and it was ripped from us, which really sucks,” said Gauthreaux.
After the service, families were met with a small glimmer of joy, as people second-lined in the streets, returning to the place where the innocent lives were lost.
There is a temporary tribute on Bourbon Street honoring the victims; the lights will be on display through Jan. 18.
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