Remembering the victims of the New Orleans terror attack

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• Amna Nawaz:

  President Biden will meet privately this evening in New Orleans with the families of the 14 people who were killed in the terror attack there on New Year's Day.

  Before that, the president and the first lady stopped on Bourbon Street, laid down flowers at a makeshift shrine for the victims, and held a moment of silence. The president will also attend a prayer vigil and memorial service.

  Before we go tonight, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the victims, the lives they led, and the legacies they leave behind.

  Stephanie Sy has our remembrance.

• Stephanie Sy:

  Nicole Perez was a mother who was teaching her 5-year-old son how to read. She'd just been promoted to manager at the local deli, where the owner told reporters she was a good mom who learned quickly. She wanted to be successful. Perez was 27.

  That was also the age of Martin "Tiger" Bech, a former wide receiver for Princeton University who was in Louisiana on a hunting and fishing trip. Before he passed, his brother Jack was able to say goodbye on FaceTime.

  Jack Bech, Brother of Martin "Tiger" Bech: If he could have lived, he would have. He fought so hard. Like I said, he's always been a fighter. He was always the little guy, and he always had to fight. And that's what he did until the last breath he took.

• Stephanie Sy:

  Terrence Kennedy, 63, was a born and raised New Orleanian. His sister told reporters he was a kind man with a big heart who loved watching football, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers.

  Drew Dauphin graduated from Auburn University in 2023, and, according to his LinkedIn page, worked at Honda Motor Company. In a statement, Auburn University President Christopher Roberts said of the 26-year-old alum: "Words cannot convey the sorrow the Auburn family feels for Drew's family."

  Kareem Badawi had just finished his first semester at the University of Alabama. His father told reporters his son spent all his life loving people and socializing with friends. He was only 18.

  Also 18, Nikyra Dedeaux, who had her whole life ahead of her, according to her great aunt. She dreamed of becoming a nurse, like her mother, who hadn't wanted her to go to New Orleans. Dedeaux was from Mississippi.

  Elliot Wilkinson was 40 years old and living on the streets at the time of his death. His older brother Cecil told reporters Elliot had a history of mental illness. He said on Facebook: "You will be truly missed. I know life was hard for you at times."

  Reggie Hunter headed to Bourbon Street straight after work. His cousin said he loved fashion and always matched. The 37-year-old was also a father of two.

  Twenty-one-year-old Hubert Gauthreaux was from a nearby town and was a huge Chicago White Sox fan. In a Facebook post, his sister Brooke said: "You deserve so much better than this. I don't know how I'm supposed to go on without you."

  Edward Pettifer was from London and had ties to the British royal family. His stepmother was Prince William and Prince Harry's nanny. In a statement, the elder prince said: "Catherine and I have been shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Ed Pettifer." He was 31.

  LaTasha Polk, 47, lived in New Orleans. The nursing assistant had a 14-year-old son. Her aunt said: "She wouldn't want us to be sad, but, at the same time, we can't help but be selfish and want her back."

  Twenty-five-year-old Matthew Tenedorio was a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend who worked at the Superdome as an audio-visual technician. His father, Louis, urged him not to go out on New Year's.

  Louis Tenedorio, Father of Matthew Tenedorio: I think, as time goes by, I will see something that reminds me of him and I will break down. I know that's going to happen probably for the rest of my life.

• Stephanie Sy:

  Also 25, Billy DiMaio of Holmdel, New Jersey, known as a standout lacrosse player with an infectious laugh. In a statement, his family wrote: "His energetic personality inspired everyone around him."

  Forty-three-year-old Brandon Taylor was the last victim struck by the truck, according to his fiance, Heather, who spoke to reporters. Taylor was described as a quiet Christian who liked to rap. Heather said: "No one should ever have to die like that. He didn't deserve it."

• Amna Nawaz:

  Of course, our thoughts are with their families and their loved ones.

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