Crime
Nicky Jones, Survivor of New Orleans Bourbon Street Terror Attack Seeks Support for Life-Saving Surgery
Nicky Jones, a victim of the recent terror attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, has been identified as one of the survivors grappling with severe injuries sustained during the devastating incident.
According to a GoFundMe campaign launched by her sister, Neil, Jones suffered catastrophic injuries when struck by a vehicle during the attack.
โMy sister Nicky Jones was tragically caught up in the devastating incident in New Orleans,โ Neil shared. โShe was struck by a vehicle, which has crushed her hips. She is one of the lucky ones who survived, and my heart goes out to all the victims.โ
Jonesโ injuries are life-altering, and doctors have determined that the only path to mobility is a complete hip replacement surgery, estimated to cost approximately $40,000.
โDoctors have said the only option for her to be able to walk again is a complete hip replacement,โ Neil explained.
Despite pooling resources from friends and family, Jones’ loved ones have managed to gather just $5,000โa fraction of the amount required.
Jones, who worked as a carpenter, is also a devoted mother of two young children, including a newborn. Her sister emphasized the emotional and financial strain her injuries have placed on her family.
โNicky has recently become a mom again, so she has two beautiful children. We are doing everything we can, but we need help to ensure she can get the care she needs and return to her family.โ
Neil humbly appealed to the community for assistance, acknowledging her inexperience with such efforts but emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
โThis sort of stuff is new to me, so please forgive me if Iโve gone about this the wrong way,โ she wrote. โAnyone who can help would be absolutely amazing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims from yesterday.โ
Supporters can help fund Jonesโ surgery and recovery through the GoFundMe campaign.
This heartbreaking incident has left survivors like Jones with immense physical and emotional challenges. Any contribution can make a significant difference in helping her regain mobility and rebuild her life.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subjectโs vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorneyโs Office.