President Joe Biden traveled to New Orleans today to express condolences and support for the families of victims killed in the New Year’s Day terrorist attack, which left 14 dead. The FBI has identified the attacker as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran reportedly inspired by ISIS.
Accompanied by First Lady Jill Biden, the President emphasized his personal understanding of grief, drawing from his own tragic experiences, including the loss of family members. “There are no words to truly console someone after such a devastating loss,” he said.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
Security footage revealed Jabbar driving a truck into crowds in New Orleans, leaving 14 dead and injuring dozens. Investigators discovered an ISIS flag inside the vehicle, prompting federal agencies to classify the incident as terrorism. Jabbar died in a shootout with police following the attack.
The FBI disclosed that Jabbar had planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at key locations in the city. Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas urged heightened vigilance, describing the event as another example of violent extremism within the U.S.
No Links to Nevada Explosion
Authorities confirmed no connection between the New Orleans attack and a separate New Year’s incident in Las Vegas, where Special Forces veteran Matthew Livelsberger detonated a Tesla truck near Trump International Hotel. Livelsberger, suffering from PTSD, reportedly committed suicide moments before the explosion.
Biden’s Message
President Biden reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating terrorism: “We will relentlessly pursue ISIS and other terrorist organizations. They will find no safe haven here.”
