Matthias Hauswirth of New Orleans prays on the street near the scene where a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon streets, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

What’s being called an “act of terrorism” in New Orleans during a New Year’s celebration turned deadly saw 15 killed and 35 injured, with two teens from Fort Myers among those harmed.

Elle Eisele and Steele Idelson, both 19 and 2023 graduates of Canterbury School in Fort Myers, were in the French Quarter District early on New Year’s Day when the incident occurred.

According to local reports, both were transported to a hospital following the attack. Eisele is currently a student at the University of Georgia, and Idelson a student at San Diego State University.

The families of Eisele and Idelson shared a joint statement through Canterbury School.

“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,” the statement reads. “We are especially thankful for the exceptional care and compassion they are receiving at University Medical Center. 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.”

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation Press Office, at approximately 3:15 a.m. CST, an individual drove a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon street.

“After hitting the crowd, he exited the vehicle and fired upon local law enforcement,” the FBI release states. “Law enforcement returned fire, and the subject was pronounced deceased at the scene. Two law enforcement officers were injured and transported to a local hospital.”

The individual who drove through the crowd was identified as Shamus-Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen from Texas. The FBI stated the Ford pickup truck he was driving appears to be rented, and an ISIS flag was located inside the vehicle.

“Weapons and a potential IED were located in the subject’s vehicle. Other potential IEDs were also located in the French Quarter. The FBI’s special agent bomb technicians are working with our law enforcement partners to determine if any of these devices are viable, and they will work to render those devices safe,” the release states.

According to a secondary release, the FBI, in part, stated, “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.”

Head of School at Canterbury, Rick Kirschner, also issued a statement regarding Eisele and Idelson.

“Two Canterbury alumni were among those injured in this senseless attack,” Kirschner stated. “Our thoughts are with them, their families, and all those impacted by this tragedy.

“We are committed to supporting these families and our entire community during this challenging time.

“When we return to campus next week, our counseling staff will be available to any student who wishes to talk or process their feelings.

“As a community, let us continue to keep these families in our thoughts and prayers, offering strength and compassion in the days ahead.”

Congressman for Florida’s 19th Congressional District, Byron Donaldson, also released a statement on the events and the two Southwest Florida teens.

“Two members of our Southwest Florida community were injured during this morning’s terrorist attack in New Orleans,” Donalds said in a release issued New year’s Day. “Both Elle Eisele and Steele Idelson are 2023 graduates of the Canterbury School in Fort Myers. My office is actively tracking ongoing developments regarding this heinous terrorist attack. Erika and I pray for the health, strength, and speedy recovery of Elle, Steele, and the… other injured victims of this evil.”

Meanwhile, relief funds are being organized.

The Greater New Orleans Foundation along with the city of New Orleans and various community partners has launched the New Orleans New Year’s Day Tragedy Fund to assist victims and survivors.

“The Fund will serve as a resource fund to help those affected by the incident,” the website states.

Visit 2014givenow.kimbia.com/nola-newyearsday-tragedy-fund for more information or to make a donation.

The “United for New Orleans Relief Fund” has been set up through United Way of Southeast Louisiana.

“Together, we can help our community heal. In the wake of the devastating New Year’s Day attack, we launched the United for New Orleans Relief Fund to provide direct support to victims and their families. Donations will help cover medical expenses, funeral costs, trauma counseling, and more. 100% of donations go directly to those impacted. Unite and show your love for our NOLA neighbors by donating below,” the donation website states.

To make a donation or for additional information, visit unitedwaysela.org/UnitedforNOLA.