President Biden visits New Orleans to honour victims of New Year’s Day attack

President Joe Biden visited New Orleans to offer support and condolences to the families of victims of the New Year’s Day attack, which left 14 dead and dozens injured. He pledged federal resources to expedite the investigation and stood in solidarity with the grieving community.

US President Joe Biden visited New Orleans on Monday to offer comfort and solidarity to the families of those affected by a devastating New Year’s Day attack.

Speaking at an interfaith prayer service held at St. Louis Cathedral, Biden said, "My wife and I are here to stand with you, grieve with you, pray with you, let you know you’re not alone." He emphasised his commitment to ensuring that all federal resources are used to expedite the ongoing investigation into the tragedy.

Biden shared words of encouragement with the grieving families, saying, "I promise you the day will come…when the memory of your loved one will bring a smile to your lips before a tear to your eye…my prayer is that that day comes sooner than later."

The attack, which left at least 14 dead and dozens injured, occurred when Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a US Army veteran, drove a pickup truck into a crowd celebrating on Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter.

Prior to the prayer service, Biden and First Lady Jill Biden visited the site of the attack. The couple laid flowers at a memorial for the victims and observed a moment of silence, bowing their heads in reflection.

According to the FBI, Jabbar travelled from Houston, Texas, to New Orleans the night before the attack. Investigators revealed that he had posted videos online expressing support for Daesh/ISIS shortly before carrying out the incident, employing tactics promoted by the extremist group.

Additionally, authorities found bomb-making materials linked to Jabbar at his rental property and home in Houston, highlighting the premeditated nature of the attack.

The visit underscores the federal government’s commitment to supporting the investigation and the affected community as they work to process the tragedy and rebuild.

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