Nashville couple leaves Bourbon Street just hours before terrorist attack

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A couple from Nashville considers themselves lucky to be alive after leaving Bourbon Street, a few hours prior to the terrorist attack.

Emily and Tony Garmon were among the thousands celebrating New Year’s Eve in the French Quarter.

“We did the count down, it seemed like everything was fine,” Emily recalled.

As crowd continued to grow, she decided it would be best if they left due to safety concerns.

“I don’t like to be out in big crowds on New Year’s, because in the back of my head, I’ve always had a fear that something would go down,” She said.

Just over three hours after they left Bourbon Street, 14 people were killed and more than two dozen injured after police say a man intentionally plowed into crowds of people.

Officials have identified him as Shamsud-Din Jabbar. The FBI says that he was inspired by ISIS.

Its a reality which has left Emily stunned by what took place in the same area were they had dinner.

“My heart sank because something was telling me to leave, it was telling me to get out. I believe that was the Lord,” she said. “How could that feeling put such urgency on my heart?”

Despite the tragedy that occurred, the couple decided to move forward with their initial plans and attend the Sugar Bowl Thursday.

The game was delayed a day due to security concerns.

“If we allow this to affect us then they win, whoever did this, the terrorist, whoever does stuff like this, they win. The best thing for this town is try to find a sense of normality,” Tony Garmon said.