President Biden and first lady Jill Biden will visit New Orleans on Monday to grieve with the families impacted by the terrorist attack on Bourbon Street on New Year’s Day. The attack left at least 14 dead and dozens injured. The attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, plowed a truck into people celebrating New Year’s Eve on Bourbon Street and was shot and killed by police after exchanging gunfire with officers. Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen and former U.S. Army soldier, posted videos declaring support for ISIS before the attack, but investigators do not believe he had accomplices.
Christopher Raia, deputy assistant director of the FBI’s counterintelligence division, revealed that Jabbar rented a Ford electric pickup truck using a peer-to-peer rental app and posted videos proclaiming support for ISIS during his drive to New Orleans. The FBI found two improvised explosive devices in coolers and a remote detonator in Jabbar’s truck. President Biden has made all resources available for the investigation since the attack and has condemned ISIS and other terrorist organizations, vowing to pursue them relentlessly to ensure they find no safe harbor in the United States.
The White House stated that President Biden has spoken with the families of the New Orleans victims and will meet with officials on the ground during his visit to the city. The president has convened meetings with his Homeland Security team and emphasized that the people of New Orleans will not let the attacker’s ideology overcome them. The FBI continues to investigate Jabbar’s motive for the attack and his connections to terrorist organizations. The attacker’s actions have sparked discussions about national security and public safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Federal authorities confirmed that Jabbar had posted videos supporting ISIS on social media before the attack and that he had planted explosive devices in the French Quarter ahead of the assault. President Biden has expressed his support for the people of New Orleans and pledged to support the ongoing investigation into the attack. The first lady, Jill Biden, will also accompany the president during his visit to New Orleans to offer support to the families affected by the tragic event. The president’s actions and statements reflect a commitment to addressing terrorism and ensuring the safety of American communities.
In the aftermath of the attack, federal investigators have been working to determine the extent of Jabbar’s connections to terrorist organizations and the motivation behind his actions. The FBI has recovered electronic devices belonging to the attacker and is analyzing the content to gather more information about his background and intentions. President Biden has emphasized the importance of fighting terrorism and preventing further attacks on American soil. His visit to New Orleans underscores the administration’s commitment to supporting communities affected by acts of violence and strengthening national security measures to safeguard the country against future threats.
