The Royal Family and the United Kingdom are mourning the loss of Edward Pettifer, a 31-year-old British citizen killed in a New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans. Pettifer’s connection to the Royal Family stems from his stepfather, Charles Pettifer, who married Tiggy Legge-Bourke, the former nanny to Princes William and Harry. King Charles has expressed his deep sadness over the tragic death and has reportedly reached out to the Pettifer family to offer condolences. Tiggy Legge-Bourke played a significant role in the lives of the young princes, particularly after the death of their mother, Princess Diana, in 1997. The princes maintain a relationship with Legge-Bourke to this day, highlighting the enduring bond forged during their childhood.
Edward Pettifer was visiting New Orleans with a friend for the New Year’s celebrations when tragedy struck on Bourbon Street. He was among the victims of a horrific attack perpetrated by 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar. Jabbar, using a rented Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck, plowed into crowds of revelers before engaging in a shootout with police. Pettifer’s death was attributed to “blunt force injuries” sustained during the initial vehicle attack. His family released a heartfelt statement expressing their devastation and describing him as a “wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend to many.”
The New Orleans attack claimed the lives of fourteen people, including Pettifer. All victims succumbed to blunt force injuries inflicted by Jabbar’s vehicle. The terrorist’s rampage ended when police fatally shot him during the ensuing firefight. The investigation into the attack revealed disturbing details about Jabbar’s motives and preparations. Authorities discovered bombs inside the truck and two more explosive devices planted in the vicinity. Prior to the attack, Jabbar posted videos online proclaiming allegiance to ISIS, indicating a premeditated act of terrorism.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a Texas resident and U.S. Army veteran, was identified as the perpetrator of the attack. Further investigation into his background revealed a history of criminal activity, including misdemeanor theft and driving with an invalid license. Jabbar worked as a real estate agent and later claimed employment at the accounting firm Deloitte. The FBI believes Jabbar acted alone in the attack despite one of his videos claiming affiliation with ISIS. A search of Jabbar’s Texas trailer uncovered a Quran open to a passage about “slaying,” a bomb-making workbench, and various chemicals and tools associated with explosives manufacturing.
Jabbar’s videos, posted on social media hours before the attack, detailed his initial intention to harm friends and family but his subsequent decision to target a public gathering to gain wider attention. He expressed concerns that news of an attack on personal acquaintances would not focus on the “believers and disbelievers,” suggesting a religiously motivated extremist ideology. The discovery of an ISIS flag in his truck further corroborates this theory. Reports indicate that Jabbar converted to Islam within the last year and exhibited erratic behavior, according to his ex-wife’s new husband.
The New Orleans attack raises concerns about the vulnerability of high-profile public events to terrorism. Security experts warn that events like former President Jimmy Carter’s upcoming state funeral could be potential targets and require heightened security measures. The tragedy underscores the ongoing threat of terrorism and the need for constant vigilance to prevent such horrific acts. As the investigation continues, authorities will likely focus on understanding Jabbar’s radicalization process and identifying any potential connections to extremist groups. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of terrorism and the importance of international cooperation in combating this global threat.
