President Joe Biden left a heartwarming message for fans ahead of Thursday’s Sugar Bowl in New Orleans between No. 7 Notre Dame and No. 2 Georgia. The contest was originally slated for Wednesday before it was rescheduled because of a deadly vehicular terrorist attack on Bourbon Street.
“Today all of America stands with the people of New Orleans,” Biden said. “We pray for those killed and injured in yesterdays attack. We are grateful to those brave first responders who raced to save lives.”
“With that, the game is back on for today. But Im not surprised, because the spirit of New Orleans can never be kept down. Thats also true of the spirit of America,” he continued.
“We just have to remember who we are. We are the United States of America. There is nothing, nothing beyond our capacity when we do it together. God bless, and God protect our troops.”
14 people were killed and a further 35 were injured after a man identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, drove into a large crowd shortly after the clock turned to the New Year. Local police described the attack as “very intentional.”
The Sugar Bowl was slated to kick off at 8:45 p.m. in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in downtown New Orleans on Jan 1 but was rescheduled to 4 p.m. on Thursday.
ESPN play-by-play announcer Sean McDonough followed President Biden’s lead and gave viewers a thoughtful lead into the game.
“Thank you, President Biden, and good afternoon everyone from New Orleans, where so many emotions are still so raw in this city that has endured more than its share of tragedy and is now dealing with that unspeakable act of evil just 36 hours ago,” McDonough said.
Many here are devastated as we process sadness and grief beyond measure. There is anger, there is palpable anxiety, even as law enforcement and government officials assure everyone the city is safe,” he continued.
McDonough was not the only one to offer an uplifting message: Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman echoed the sentiment to ESPN on Wednesday.
“I think first off, I’d like to say we’re hurting for all those affected by this tragedy,” he said. “The city of New Orleans has welcomed us with open arms and we join them in prayers for all those victims and families that are affected by this tragedy.”
“What I told the team was that in the toughest moments, the culture of any program, a nation, is revealed,” Freeman continued. “I have a lot of faith this country will rally around New Orleans and support all the victims of families.”
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