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A Long Island native who worked as an audiovisual technician for the Superdome was among the 15 victims in the New Orleans terrorist attack early Wednesday, according to his family.
Matthew Tenedorio, 25, was shot and killed during the chaos that ensued during the 3:15 a.m. truck attack that killed 15 people at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Streets, his cousin Christina Bounds and her husband Greg announced on a GoFundMe page established on behalf of Tenedorio’s family.
News 12 reported Thursday that Tenedorio grew up in Mineola before moving to Louisiana. He appears to have ties to Huntington and extended family members in other arts of Long Island.
He tied running toward the danger
The GoFundMe page detailed that Tenedorio graduated from Pearl River Central High School, located about 40 miles north of downtown New Orleans.
“Matthew was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend whose laid-back spirit and infectious laughter brought joy to everyone around him,” Christina Bounds wrote. “Matthew was always the one to lighten the mood, able to laugh off life’s challenges and spread positivity wherever he went.”
“My sweet cousin, heartache doesn’t come close to describe what we all feel right now,” Bounds wrote in a Facebook post. “In shock and disbelief. You always gave the best hugs and had the biggest smile when you walked in a room. We will miss you forever cous.”
The FBI has identified the attacker as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar of Texas. Authorities said Jabbar was behind the wheel of a pickup truck that drove into crowds at a high speed, and then exited the vehicle and opened fire, prompting police to return fire. Reports have said he was an Army veteran who was carrying an Islamic State flag on his truck.
FBI Update on Bourbon Street Terrorist Attack: https://t.co/us0XzffGJr
— FBI (@FBI) January 2, 2025
Anyone with information, photos, or video should call the FBI at 1-800- CALL FBI or visit https://t.co/i121Noqgnt pic.twitter.com/VCmT8r2P4c
The FBI said in a statement that special agents and other law enforcement agencies are conducting a number of court-authorized search warrants in New Orleans and other states. The FBI’s Evidence Response Team on Thursday was still processing the crime scene to gather evidence.
In its statement, the FBI said it plans to turn over the crime scene to local authorities by early Friday. Other FBI resources, including victim specialists, are responding to assist victims and family members, the statement said.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has directed counterintelligence to be on high alert in the state. The FBI asked that anyone with information, photos or video on the incident should call the FBI at 1-800- CALL-FBI or visit www.fbi.gov/bourbonstreetattack.
News that the NOLA NYE murders were a terrorist attack sends chills down the spines of all New Yorkers. Shocking in its brazenness.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) January 1, 2025
I have directed @nyspolice counterintelligence to be on high alert. https://t.co/RyHFZglwtv
Tenedorio is survived by his parents, Lou and Cathy Tenedorio; grandparents, Edward and Jane Colgan; siblings, Jonathon and Jeremy; and a niece and three nephews, Dalila, Dante, Leo and Felix.
“His loss leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of his family and friends,” Bounds wrote on the GoFundMe page that has raised over $16,000 through more than 260 donations.
“As we come together to honor Matthew’s memory, we are seeking your support to help his family cover his funeral expenses,” Bounds wrote. “Your generous contributions will allow us to provide him with the dignified farewell he deserves and ease the financial burden on his family during this heartbreaking time.”
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