Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson responded Thursday to the deadly terror attack in New Orleans.
"Like so many others across the country, I am deeply saddened and disturbed by yesterday's attack in New Orleans, and my heart goes out to all of the victims and their families during this unimaginably difficult time," Stimpson said.
The cities of Mobile and New Orleans have much in common regarding their celebration of Mardi Gras, architecture and population.
In fact, Mobile was founded in 1702 by French colonists under Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, who founded New Orleans in 1718.
Stimpson asked residents to pray for those in what many Mobilians call their "sister city."
"We must condemn this senseless and cowardly act of violence and stand in solidarity with our friends, family and neighbors in New Orleans," he said. "I have no doubt that New Orleans, a city known for its resilience and spirit, will unite to overcome this tragedy. Please continue to keep those affected by this attack and all New Orleanians in your thoughts and prayers as they recover from this horrific event."
At least 15 people, including the man who drove through a crowd in the French Quarter, were killed during the city's New Year's celebration.
The FBI identified the driver as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, of Texas. Jabbar was killed by police, and investigators do not believe he acted alone.
The Islamic State inspired the attack, the FBI confirmed.
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