French Quarter Terrorism Attack Memorial Commission Holds First Meeting

Baton Rouge, LA—Today, the French Quarter Terrorism Attack Memorial Commission held their first meeting in New Orleans, LA. 

The Commission was created to facilitate the creation of a permanent memorial to honor the victims of the tragic terrorist attack that occurred on January 1, 2025, in New Orleans. The commission will ensure that the memory of those lost and impacted is preserved and honored.

“Our goal is to create a space to honor the victims of this attack, and create a permanent space in New Orleans to honor, cherish, and respect the memories of those lost,” said Patty Giovingo, the Governor’s Senior Coordinator of Victims Advocacy. “We want this space to serve as a place of comfort, strength, peace, hope, and blessings.” 

The French Quarter Terrorism Attack Memorial Commission is housed within the Office of the Governor and is comprised of: 

  • Five victims or family members of victims (other victims or victims’ families will serve as ex-officio members).

    • Michelle Beche (Mother of Tiger Bech)

    • Bill DiMaio (Father of Billy DiMaio)

    • Brent Gauthreaux (Father of Hubert Gauthreaux)

    • Adam Coste (Injured Victim)

    • Brittany Francois (Injured Victim)

  • The First Lady of Louisiana, or her designee 

    • Genee Champagne, Designee

  • The Senior Coordinator for Victims Advocacy in the Office of the Governor (Chair) 

    • Patty Giovingo, Office of the Governor

  • The Lieutenant Governor, or his designee 

    • Joey Diffata, Designee

  • The President of the Louisiana State Senate, or designee 

    • Mrs. Gayle Benson, Owner, New Orleans Saints, Designee

  • The Speaker of the House of Representatives, or designee 

    • The Honorable Alonzo Knox, State Representative, Designee

  • The Mayor of New Orleans, or her designee 

    • Mayor LaToya Cantrell

  • The New Orleans City Council President, or her designee 

    • Mark Cave, Designee

  • A resident of the French Quarter 

    • (To be determined.)

  • A business owner in the French Quarter 

    • Karla Rivera, Greater New Orleans Foundation

  • A law enforcement officer 

    • Adam Sauter, New Orleans Police Department

*See Pictures Below

Posted on September 9, 2025 and filed under New Orleans.