NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 1, 2025 – The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying crisis-trained chaplains to New Orleans following a New Year’s terror attack that resulted in ten fatalities and dozens of injuries. The perpetrator used a truck as a weapon, driving through pedestrians, before exiting the vehicle with a gun. He was engaged by police and was killed.
“This level of violence and hate is unfathomable and heartbreaking. We weep for the many whose lives were forever changed through this senseless and brutal terror attack,” said Josh Holland, international director of the BG-RRT. “In this dark hour, our chaplains will offer emotional and spiritual care—the hope and comfort of Jesus Christ—to the hurting and broken in New Orleans.”
The BG-RRT is now ministering in four areas across the United States. In addition to New Orleans, the ministry is meeting emotional and spiritual needs following Hurricane Helene in Buncombe County, North Carolina; Valdosta, Georgia; and Tampa, Florida.
The crisis-chaplaincy ministry was recently deployed in Madison, Wisconsin, following the deadly shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in December.
In addition to these domestic efforts, chaplains are also offering hope and providing emotional comfort and spiritual care to families who have been forced to flee their homes in war-torn Ukraine.
For more information on the ministry, including videos, photos, news articles and an interactive map of former and current deployments, visit the BG-RRT press kit or BillyGraham.org/RRT. Updates can also be found at Facebook.com/RRTChaplains.
Media Opportunities
- Interviews with:
- Josh Holland, international director of the BG-RRT
- Chaplain coordinator in New Orleans
- B-Roll and photos (please use with credit to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)
- Interview request form
About the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team was developed by Franklin Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. It has since grown into an international network of chaplains in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia who are specifically trained to deal with crisis situations. They have deployed to more than 800 disaster sites across the globe, including shootings, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes.
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Media Contact: Lisa Moseley, lmoseley@bgea.org