Crime
18-year-old Nikyra Dedeaux killed in New Orleans car-ramming attack
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, drove a rented white pickup truck into the crowded 200 block of Bourbon Street around 3:15 a.m.
Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, an 18-year-old from Gulfport, Mississippi, tragically lost her life in the New Orleans car-ramming attack that occurred during New Year’s celebrations on Bourbon Street.
Dedeaux had traveled to New Orleans on Tuesday with her cousin and a friend to ring in the new year in the bustling French Quarter.
Her grieving mother, Melissa Dedeaux, confirmed Wednesday that her daughter was one of the 10 fatalities in what authorities are investigating as a terrorist attack.
“I just want to see my baby,” Melissa, 40, said through tears. “She was the sweetest person. She would give you anything, anything.”
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, drove a rented white pickup truck into the crowded 200 block of Bourbon Street around 3:15 a.m.
The attack left 10 people dead and approximately 35 others injured. Jabbar also shot two police officers before being fatally shot by law enforcement.
Cheyenne, affectionately known as “Cheyenne” to her family, had not planned to be in New Orleans, her mother revealed. She had secretly made the trip with her cousin, also 18, and their friend, Zion Parsons, 18.
Parsons recounted that the trio had been leaving Voodoo Chicken & Daiquiris, a popular spot near Bienville Street, when chaos erupted. “Out of nowhere, I heard commotion and banging,” Parsons said.
Melissa Dedeaux’s niece informed her that gunfire had broken out, and the group began to flee. In the confusion, Cheyenne darted into the street and was struck by the oncoming truck. She suffered devastating injuries at the scene.
While the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office has not yet officially confirmed her death, Melissa said she is certain her daughter was among the victims.
“As a mother, when my niece and Zion said they covered her with a sheet, I just knew that was it for my daughter,” Melissa said.
By Wednesday morning, Melissa and her family had reunited with her niece, who remained visibly shaken, and began retracing steps through the French Quarter to locate the car the trio had parked the night before.
The tragic loss of a young life has left the Dedeaux family and the Gulfport community heartbroken. Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux will be remembered as a kind and giving person whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, which has left the city of New Orleans grieving and searching for answers.
Crime
Armed Man with Reported Mental Health Concerns Arrested inside U.S. Capitol
Police officer suspended after failing to stop an armed man entering the U.S. Capitol.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, January 21, the United States Capitol Police (USCP) responded to a security alert regarding a man reportedly experiencing mental health issues and suicidal thoughts, who was believed to be armed and in the vicinity of the Capitol.
At approximately 1:15 p.m., USCP officers located the suspect’s vehicle on First Street near East Capitol Street, NE.
A subsequent search of the area determined that the individual had recently entered the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) and participated in a Capitol tour.
At around 2:15 p.m., officers observed the man exiting the Library of Congress following the tour and walking toward his vehicle.
He was intercepted, searched, and taken into custody. A concealed 9mm handgun was discovered in his waistband during the search.
The suspect, identified as 27-year-old James A. Faber of Massachusetts, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Unlawful Activities
- Carrying a Pistol Without a License
- Possession of an Unregistered Firearm
- Unlawful Possession of Ammunition
- Resisting Arrest
The case is currently under review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Following a review of security footage, it was determined that Faber entered the Capitol Visitor Center through the south checkpoint. Although the magnetometer alarm was triggered, an officer conducted a secondary hand search and subsequently allowed him entry into the building.
As a result of this lapse, the officer involved has been placed on administrative suspension pending an internal investigation by the USCP’s Office of Professional Responsibility to assess their performance in handling the security screening.
Authorities have stated that, at this time, there is no indication that Faber intended to harm members of Congress or any individuals within the Capitol complex.
In response to the incident, the USCP has ordered a comprehensive review of security protocols and mandated refresher training for all personnel involved in visitor screening to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“The United States Capitol Police demands the highest standards in security screening procedures to ensure the safety of all individuals within the Capitol complex. A thorough review is already underway to reinforce our protocols and training,” the agency stated.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported in connection with this incident.