WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) released the following statement in response to the terrorist attack in New Orleans, Louisiana, that took the lives of 14 people and injured nearly three dozen others. 

“The terrorist attack in New Orleans was an act of unbridled evil,” Britt stated in a release on Wednesday, Jan. 1. “We continue to pray for the victims’ loved ones and the survivors, as well as the brave law enforcement officers who rushed toward danger in selfless service to their fellow Americans. The American people deserve transparency and accountability as the pursuit of justice proceeds. As Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I have requested a formal briefing from DHS and FBI and that a briefing be made available to all Senators. With the 119th Congress beginning Friday, we must work nonstop to get President Trump’s national security team in place without delay.”

Britt and her office released the following statement on Thursday, Jan. 2, after news that two Alabama natives — Drew Dauphin and Kareem Badawi — lost their lives in the terrorist attack. 

“As our nation continues to mourn following the terrorist attack in New Orleans, we now know this act of evil stole two of Alabama’s own: Drew Dauphin, a native of Montgomery, and Kareem Badawi, a freshman at the University of Alabama.”

Britt on Dauphin

“Drew Dauphin was a beloved son, brother and friend. A talented student-athlete at Alabama Christian Academy, and a proud graduate of Auburn University. His parents were his role models. After speaking to his incredible mother, I know Drew was a light in the lives of all who knew him. Whether it was academics or wakeboarding with his brother, Matthew, he followed his passions with genuine zeal and unwavering dedication. He pursued his love for mathematics while earning an engineering degree from Auburn and then turned that pursuit into a profession at Honda. Drew was living his American Dream at age 26.”

Britt on Badawi

“Kareem Badawi was a devoted son and brother whose gregarious personality constantly brightened the day of those who had the privilege to know him. Kareem graduated from the Episcopal School in his native Baton Rouge, where he was an accomplished student-athlete. He was a freshman pursuing an engineering degree at the University of Alabama, and his father shared with me how much he loved to watch the Crimson Tide take the field. In his time in Tuscaloosa, Kareem had already cemented himself as an uplifting leader and kindhearted friend in the campus community.”

Britt added. “As a mom, I can’t even imagine the heartbreak Kareem and Drew’s loved ones are facing right now. No parent, sibling, or friend should ever have to endure this senseless sadness. My family will continue praying for Drew and Kareem’s families and all those affected by this attack. Alabamians rally around each other in the toughest of times, and I know the earnest thoughts of families in every corner of our state are with the Dauphins and Badawis.”

Dauphin’s family has asked that the following statement be shared regarding the loss of their son

“It’s unbelievable. Who should have to come up with words for this? Our family is suffering more than anyone can imagine. Drew lit up every room he entered. His smile was infectious. He had the best personality. We are such a tight family, dependent on each other, friends, family and neighbors. We cherish the 26 years that we had with him and raising him will always be one of the greatest joys of our lives.  Our family is numb and in shock through this horrific and senseless tragedy. Drew was happiest at Lake Martin with his little brother, Matthew.  A close friend said it best, ‘Drew will always now be in the sun at the lake that he loved so much.’ We did not get to spend enough time with him and can’t believe we will never see him again (on) this side of heaven.”