In a city known for resilience, the crypto community is reeling after a horrific attack in the heart of New Orleans’ famed French Quarter. In the early hours of New Year’s Day, an Army veteran driving a pickup truck bearing an ISIS flag plowed into revelers on Bourbon Street, leaving 15 dead and at least 30 injured in a senseless act of violence that has left the Big Easy – and the entire crypto world – in mourning.
“I’m Devastated”: Pelicans Coach Willie Green Reacts
For the New Orleans Pelicans, in Miami for a game against the Heat, the news hit especially hard. Pelicans coach Willie Green found out via a text from his father wishing him a happy new year – and offering prayers for their hometown.
“I’m devastated,” Green said. “A senseless act of violence. We’ve discussed it a bit with our players. But we’re just living in times and in a world where you just 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.”
– Willie Green, New Orleans Pelicans Coach
The Pelicans play their home games about a mile from the site of the attack. Green said he could only imagine what the victims’ families are going through.
Miami Holds Moment of Silence; Sugar Bowl Postponed
In Miami, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said the news brought everyone “to an absolute halt.” The Heat held a pregame moment of silence for the victims.
The attack also forced the postponement of the Sugar Bowl, a College Football Playoff quarterfinal between Notre Dame and Georgia originally set for Wednesday night in New Orleans. It will now be played Thursday afternoon following a security sweep of the Superdome.
Pelicans Broadcasters Express Anguish
On the Pelicans’ TV broadcast, the announcers struggled to put the tragedy into words.
“If you think about what Bourbon Street represents, it’s a place of joy. It’s a place of laughter. It’s a place of marriages, of bachelorette parties, bachelor parties, a place where people come together,” analyst Antonio Daniels said. “And like Coach Green said, a senseless act of violence comes to try and tear this city apart? My heart hurts. My heart hurts for this city.”
– Antonio Daniels, Pelicans Broadcaster
Crypto Community Mourns Alongside NOLA
New Orleans has long been a vibrant hub for the crypto and blockchain industry, home to numerous startups, developers, and enthusiasts. As word of the horrific attack spread, the tight-knit global crypto community was quick to express solidarity and support.
- Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum co-founder, tweeted: “Absolutely heartbroken by the news from NOLA. The crypto world mourns with you. Stay strong.”
- Binance announced it will donate all trading fees from Jan 2 to organizations supporting the victims and their families.
- A CryptoRelief DAO was rapidly set up and began accepting donations to aid those impacted within hours of the attack.
In a city famed for its resilience and indomitable spirit, the road to recovery will undoubtedly be long. But if there’s one thing New Orleans and the crypto community have in common, it’s the ability to overcome adversity and emerge stronger than ever. Our hearts are with NOLA today and always.
