Thoughts and prayers have flooded in from the stars of the New Orleans Saints following the terror attack that took place in the city on New Year’s Eve. 

A Ford SUV was plowed into a crowd of people celebrating the New Year on Bourbon Street at around 3:50am on Wednesday, killing 10 and injuring a further 35.

The horrific tragedy occurred less than a mile from Caesars Superdome – the home of NFL team, the Saints – which has since been placed on lockdown for security sweeps ahead of hosting the Sugar Bowl, which is scheduled for Wednesday evening. 

In the aftermath of the horrific attack, the football franchise, along with its NBA counterpart, the New Orleans Pelicans, expressed its sadness and heartbreak. 

‘Our hearts go out to all victims and their families during this difficult time and express our deepest graтιтude to the first responders who acted swiftly and bravely on the scene,’ a statement from the teams read.

‘New Orleans is a city built on resilience, and this heartbreaking event reminds us of the importance of coming together to support one another, to honor those affected, and to work toward healing as a community. In times of tragedy, the New Orleans community has always shown extraordinary courage and compᴀssion, and we are certain that this time will be no different.’

Quarterback Derek Carr lead the prayers from New Orleans Saints stars after the NYE attack

At least 10 people died after a driver rammed into the large group at high speed in New Orleans

The Saints’ stars also took to social media to shared their thoughts and prayers for the victims of the heinous attack. 

Quarterback Derek Carr lead the messages from the NFL ranks as he posted: ‘Praying for New Orleans. Woke up and saw the news this morning.’

Longtime Saints defensive end Cam Jordan also reacted to the heartbreaking news.  

‘Woke up to texts about what happened on bourbon street last night, God bless! A pure tragedy, sorry to all those lives that were affected,’ Jordan wrote on X. 

‘Pray for the city & everyone affected last night,’ wide receiver Rashid Shaheed also shared, while Saints safety added: ‘Praying for all those affected by the tragic events last night on bourbon street!’ 

Thousands of Notre Dame and Georgia fans had arrived in New Orleans for a night of festivities ahead of the start of the College Football Playoffs, and the historic New Year’s Day Sugar Bowl in the city.

But joy turned to terror in the French Quarter in the early hours of the morning as the incident unfolded, despite police presence being at ‘100% capacity’.

The police department had also claimed that on top of a full capacity team, they had drafted in an additional 300 officers from partner agencies to deal with the New Year’s Eve and Sugar Bowl festivities.

The Saints and NBA counterpart, the Pelicans, along with players shared messages online

Read More Ex-New Orleans mayor makes college football playoff demand after NYE terror attack

The driver rammed into the large group at high speed, then got out and started firing a weapon, witnesses said.

Speaking to the media, Commissioner Kirkpatrick said officers will work to ensure safety at the Sugar Bowl, and it is anticipated that security will be heightened as 83,000 fans descend on the Superdome.

‘He was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did,’ Kirkpatrick said. ‘It was very intentional behavior. This man was trying to run over as many people as he could.’

The unnamed gunman was killed in a shootout with officers after he exited his vehicle and started shooting, injuring two NOLA police officers who are in stable condition.

Authorities investigating the ‘mᴀss casualty incident’ say the driver showed ‘very intentional behavior’ after driving into crowds before they got out and fired a weapon.

The FBI has formally confirmed they are investigating the tragedy ‘as an act of terrorism’ after New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell said she had spoken to the White House about what she described as a ‘terrorist attack’.

Caesars Superdome – home of the Saints – was locked down for additional security sweeps

Law enforcement gather at the scene of the horrific attack on Bourbon Street 

Officials said an improvised explosive device was found in the area. Around 8.30am a ‘small explosion’ went off in the quarter. It was detonated by the bomb squad, WLWT’s Steven Albritton reported.

Witnesses claim the suspect was ‘wearing full body armor’ and ‘armed with an ᴀssault rifle’, and officials said he was ‘trying to run over as many people as he possibly could’.

Videos circulating on social media showed a chaotic scene at the tourist H๏τspot as people ran from the casualty-strewn area while bullets rang out in the background.

Dozens of police officers responded to what authorities declared a ‘mᴀss casualty event’ and a portion of the road was cordoned off. Paramedics, ambulances and vehicles from the coroner’s office were also seen at the scene.