By Hank Russell
One of the 15 victims killed during the terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on New Year’s Day was originally from Long Island.
According to various media reports, Matthew Tenedorio, 25, a Mineola native who later moved to Louisiana, was shot and killed during the attack on January 1 at 3:15 a.m. local time. The suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen who was from Texas, drove past a police barricade and ran into a group of people. He then got out of his truck and opened fire on local police, injuring two officers.
Police at the scene exchanged gunfire, killing Jabbar. Inside his vehicle, authorities found an Islamic State flag, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and numerous weapons.
At least 15 people died, and dozens more were injured.
Tenedorio’s family has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay the cost of his funeral. “Matthew was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend whose laid-back spirit and infectious laughter brought joy to everyone around him,” his family wrote on the page. “Matthew was always the one to lighten the mood, able to laugh off life’s challenges and spread positivity wherever he went.”
The family is trying to raise $35,000. So far, $32,099 has been raised as of press time.
Tenedorio worked as an audiovisual technician for the Caesars Superdome — where the Sugar Bowl football game between Notre Dame University and the University of Georgia was to be played that same day before being postponed and in which “he played a crucial role in creating memorable experiences for countless fans and event-goers,” his family said.
In response to the event in New Orleans, the Nassau County Police Department issued the following statement: “On behalf of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, we are closely monitoring the tragic events that occurred in New Orleans overnight and communicating with our partners in federal and state law enforcement. Although there are no threats to Nassau County, our vigilance, as always, is high.”
“The terrorist attack that occurred in New Orleans this morning is a horrible reminder of the threat terrorism of all stripes poses to our country, our freedom and our way of life,” Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement. “We fully condemn the cowardly act of evil against innocent New Year’s revelers.”