President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden visited New Orleans on Monday to honor victims of a New Year’s Day attack that killed 14 people and injured dozens. The tragedy occurred when Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Army veteran, rammed a truck into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street. Jabbar, who was killed in a shootout with police, had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, according to the FBI. Officials said he acted alone.
The Bidens began their visit by laying flowers at a makeshift memorial on Bourbon Street. Jill Biden placed a bouquet, and the president crossed himself as a gesture of respect. They later attended a memorial service at the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis, King of France, where Biden met with survivors, families, and local law enforcement.
In his address, Biden acknowledged the deep pain the community is enduring. “The shock and pain are still so very raw,” he said. Drawing from personal loss, he added, “We know what it’s like to lose a piece of our soul.”
Jabbar, described by his half-brother as a man struggling with a recent divorce, showed no signs of anger before the attack. Despite his personal challenges, authorities confirmed his extremist ties.
Biden, nearing the end of his presidency, reflected on New Orleans’ resilience. “If there’s one thing we know, New Orleans defines strength and resilience,” he said, urging the community to find hope amid the tragedy.
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