British police have confirmed that one of the victims of the devastating terror attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day was Edward Pettifer, a 31-year-old from Chelsea, London. Pettifer's stepmother, Tiggy Legge-Bourke, holds a distinguished position in the British royal family’s history, having served as the nanny to Prince William and Prince Harry during their childhood. This tragic incident has not only left his family in mourning but also drawn heartfelt messages of condolence from the royal family, who were deeply saddened by his untimely death.
Prince William and his wife, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, expressed their shock and sadness through a public statement, saying, “We are shocked and saddened by the news of Ed’s death. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Pettifer family and all those innocent people who have been tragically impacted by this horrific attack.” In addition, King Charles III also conveyed his condolences to the Pettifer family, sharing his deep sadness and sympathy at the loss, according to reports from royal sources.
Edward Pettifer’s family has long-standing ties with the British royal household, particularly through Tiggy Legge-Bourke, who became part of the Pettifer family when she married Edward's father, Charles Pettifer, in 1999. Tiggy had left her role as a nanny to Prince William and Prince Harry before marrying Charles. The Pettifer family continues to be closely connected to the royal family, with Edward's stepbrother, Tom Pettifer, serving as a page at Prince William’s wedding in 2011. The family’s connection to the monarchy has made Edward’s death all the more poignant, as they have been part of the royal household’s circle for many years.
In a statement issued through London’s Metropolitan Police, the Pettifer family expressed their profound grief and love for Edward, describing him as a "wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend to so many." They requested privacy to grieve during this difficult time, as the tragic loss of their loved one has been felt deeply by all who knew him.
The attack itself occurred on the early morning of January 1, 2024, in the vibrant and bustling Bourbon Street area of New Orleans. The assailant, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran, deliberately rammed a rented truck into a crowd of revelers, causing mass casualties. Fourteen people were killed, including Edward Pettifer, and dozens more were injured. Jabbar, who had a troubling personal history marked by divorce and financial struggles, had adopted radical views in recent months. He had recently renewed his Muslim faith and pledged allegiance to ISIS, posting videos just hours before the attack in which he denounced Western practices such as music and alcohol.
Law enforcement officials have described the attack as a premeditated act of terrorism. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed that Jabbar acted alone and was fully motivated by ISIS-inspired ideologies. In the aftermath of the attack, he was killed in a shootout with police, who had responded to the scene promptly. The FBI labeled the incident as an “evil act” and noted Jabbar’s singular commitment to carrying out the attack in the name of ISIS.
In response to the terror attack, U.S. law enforcement agencies have increased security measures across the country, particularly in high-profile public events. New Orleans has already implemented additional safety protocols for its ongoing Mardi Gras celebrations, which attract large crowds of visitors each year. Furthermore, authorities are taking extra precautions for other significant events, including the upcoming Super Bowl. The heightened security measures aim to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again, as the city and the nation come to terms with the ramifications of the terror attack.
The tragic death of Edward Pettifer and the other victims of this senseless act of violence have shocked not only their families and the royal household but also the global community. As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the motivations behind the attack and ensuring that security measures are in place to prevent future incidents of this nature.
