President Biden and First Lady to Visit New Orleans on January 6 Following Attack
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of New Orleans following the heinous attack that took place in the early morning hours,” President Joe Biden stated on Thursday.
Around 3:15 a.m. local time on January 1, a man drove a pickup truck into pedestrians along Canal and Bourbon streets in New Orleans.
Once the truck came to a stop, the suspect exited the vehicle and opened fire on law enforcement officers, who returned gunfire, according to reports from the New Orleans police.
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“I can confidently say that I speak for all Americans when I express our solidarity with the people of New Orleans in light of the vicious attack that unfolded in the early hours,” Biden remarked. “Our nation stands in mourning with you. We will remain by your side as you grieve and begin to heal in the days ahead.”
The president expressed gratitude towards first responders and law enforcement officers who acted swiftly during the attack, preventing further loss of life. Biden assured that the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, and FBI are “working tirelessly to investigate this atrocious act.”
Biden further shared that the FBI informed him that the suspect, Jabbar, is a U.S. citizen who was born in Texas and had served many years on active duty in the U.S. Army.
According to FBI officials, Jabbar had posted videos on social media celebrating the terrorist group ISIS and voicing a “desire to kill” prior to the attack, with an ISIS flag discovered in his vehicle, Biden noted.
“The situation is very fluid, and we are currently in the early stages of the investigation… Law enforcement and intelligence agencies are diligently probing any possible connections, associations, or co-conspirators,” Biden added. “At this moment, we have no further information to provide. The investigation remains ongoing, and it’s crucial that no one jumps to conclusions.”
The White House is expected to share further details about Biden’s upcoming visit to New Orleans on January 6 shortly.
Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
