The parents of Matthew Tenedrio, 25, one of the many victims killed in the New Orleans terrorist attack, recalled on CNN Thursday the last moments they spent with their son before he appeared to collapse.

Early Wednesday, authorities said 42-year-old Shamsuddin Jabbar drove into a New Year’s party on Bourbon Street, killing at least 14 people and injuring dozens more. On “Erin Burnett Outfront,” Lou and Kathy Tenedrio tell CNN host Erin Burnett that the couple warned their son against entering the area, but told him not to worry before giving them a final hug. He said it reassured him.

“We were able to tell each other that we love each other. ‘I love you, Happy New Year.’ Text me when you get home,” Kathy said. “‘Remember we care about you,’ and, you know, ‘Why don’t you stay local to the North Shore in this region instead of going to New Orleans?’

Lou jumped in there.

“And I said, ‘Son, don’t go.’ It’s dangerous out there. It’s not what it used to be. There’s a lot of crime. Stay here,” Lou said.

“He says, ‘Don’t worry, dad. I love you.’ And we hugged, and he left.”

Kathy went on to tell how she eventually woke up and started worrying about Matthew. She then texted her eldest son to let him know that Matthew’s car had not returned home. (Related: CNN, MSNBC analysts quickly criticized New Orleans mayor for calling attack terrorist attack despite obvious signs)

“I finally talked to his friend, [they] he said. Kathy, I am so sorry to hear this. Something terrible happened last night. We were all witnesses. We were walking down Bourbon Street,” Kathy said. “It just unfolded before my eyes. [of us]. We have all been separated. We went into a bar. One friend and another friend went into another bar two blocks away. I can’t find Matthew. ”

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Lu said the couple continued to call their son. The couple told the host that some of Matthew’s friends had told him that Jabbar’s truck had encountered the chaos as it was driving to help those who were already injured. However, the parents said they have not been able to confirm the exact moment with authorities as the investigation is still ongoing.

“We wanted to see him. You know, we wanted to see what happened to him,” Kathy said. “I was able to show them the photo, and of course they had his driver’s license and wallet. And they said, ‘Yes, your son has passed away.’ He’s dead. ”

Barnett then asked the couple how they were coping emotionally with the loss of their son. Lu said he remained calm for his wife until Thursday.

“Last night, as soon as my wife found out, she started crying. I stayed calm and hugged her tightly. I didn’t cry too much. I cried just a little bit, for a few seconds, but I stayed calm. , I just supported my wife,” Lu said.

“When we got home, we had family, a lot of family and friends supporting us, bringing us gumbo and stuff. But this morning, the gravity of the situation really hit home. I just realized [see] Also my son. I just broke down. Honestly, my heart is broken,” Lu said. “It’s just overwhelming. When that happens, you know, when it happens to me, personally, I start thinking, ‘Lord, what have I done?’ Why, why is this so? It calls everything into question. You question everything. ”

Kathy said her son’s name meant “gift from God” and added that Matthew was her “miracle baby” before thanking Barnett for letting them tell their story. .

At about 3:17 a.m. Wednesday, Mr. Jabbar crashed his car into a festival crowd in New Orleans, then collided with a construction vehicle and then got into a gunfight with authorities, where he died. Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas, was also seen at the crime scene with weapons, an improvised explosive device and an ISIS flag, according to a statement released by the FBI.

Although FBI special agents initially said at a press conference that the incident was not an act of terrorism, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell refuted this claim, saying, “First of all, the city of New Orleans is a terrorist act.” “I know that I was influenced by this,” he said. attack. “

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