WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden directed federal security agencies Thursday to continue assisting all levels of law enforcement in the investigation Terrorist attack in New Orleans, where a pickup truck driver plowed through crowds on Bourbon Street, killing at least 14 people and injuring dozens more.
According to the White House, Biden met with Vice President Kamala Harris, Attorney General Merrick Garland, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and several other senior officials to discuss the latest developments in the investigation into the attack.
Biden urged officials to “continue to provide all resources to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies so they can complete their investigations as quickly as possible,” a White House statement said.
The attack sparked widespread condemnation from Louisiana lawmakers and lawmakers led to stricter security measures in Washington, DC, ahead of several high-profile events in the coming days, including the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
Authorities identified the suspect as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. military veteran based in Houston, Texas. He was killed after a shootout with police.
Jabbar is believed to have acted alone, Christopher Raia, deputy assistant director of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, said Thursday.
No connection to the explosion in Nevada
Raia said there was “no definitive connection” between the New Orleans attack and the explosion of a Tesla cybertruck in Las Vegas outside the Trump International Hotel on Wednesday, but stressed that the investigation was still in its early stages.
Biden reiterated some of the FBI’s findings, telling reporters he had directed his team to “accelerate this investigation so we have answers to our unanswered questions.”
Biden spoke about the attack before commenting that he had received 235 judicial nominations during his single term in the White House.
“In the meantime, New Orleans is, as I said last night, a city of tremendous spirit,” he said.
In addition to the inauguration on Jan. 20, the D.C. area will also host the certification of the presidential election on Monday and ceremonies next week to commemorate former President Jimmy Carter following his death on Dec. 29.
The legislature reacts
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, condemned the violence in his speech on Thursday Fox News.
“Let me say unequivocally that this act of pure evil, as President Trump said, is exactly right – a vicious attack on innocent Americans celebrating New Year’s,” he said.
“All those involved must be brought to justice quickly, and I am confident that our federal and state partners are currently working on this,” he added.
Johnson said he was at Mar-a-Lago with Trump on Wednesday, just hours after the explosion in Las Vegas.
“He’s worried, like all of us, and he can’t wait to take office – we can’t wait, there’s still 18 days until President Trump returns to the White House and we restore real law and order to this country.” said Johnson said.
U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, also a Republican from Louisiana, said his “prayers go out to those who lost their lives and their families, to the police officers who acted bravely to bring down the suspect were shot – we pray for them “also a full recovery,” during a Wednesday interview on Fox News.
“I just hope that the FBI and all the agencies involved are completely honest every step of the way,” he said.
Rep. Troy Carter, a Democrat from Louisiana whose district includes New Orleans, said Wednesday opinion He has spoken to Mayorkas and the White House about the attack and will “continue to receive updates.”
“My heart goes out to the victims, their families and everyone who witnessed this horrific attack during a joyful New Year celebration,” he said.
Carter added that he is “committed to working with local and federal authorities to bring justice to victims and strengthen measures that protect our communities from terrorist attacks” as more information about the attack emerges.
Rep. Mark Green, chairman of the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, said in a statement Wednesday: “Our condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those killed or injured in this horrific attack.”
The Tennessee Republican noted that the committee requested a briefing to “continue to seek answers and push for transparency.”
“As the FBI investigates this as an act of terrorism, the committee expects a thorough and transparent process to provide clarity to the families and the public about this tragedy,” he said.
Last updated on January 2, 2025 at 5:39 p.m
