Biden Visits New Orleans After French Quarter Attack

President Joe Biden traveled to New Orleans on Jan. 6 to supply his assist to the households, survivors, and native legislation enforcement affected by the terrorist assault that took 14 lives on New Yr’s Day.

Biden and First Woman Jill Biden participated in an interfaith prayer service held by the Archdiocese of New Orleans on the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis.

Earlier than the cathedral, the Bidens stopped at Bourbon Avenue, the location of the Jan. 1 mass killing.

The primary girl laid flowers at a shrine for the victims. The couple stood in silence with their heads bowed. The president crossed himself earlier than they headed again to the motorcade for the brief drive to St. Louis Cathedral within the French Quarter.

Throughout their go to, Biden first greeted the households, survivors, and native legislation enforcement affected by the tragic assault. The president and first girl then positioned candles on a desk, one for every of the 14 victims.

Biden later delivered remarks, providing his assist to the households of the victims.

“My spouse and I are right here to face with you, grieve with you, pray with you, let you’re not alone,” he stated. “I do know occasions like this are exhausting, the shock and ache so very uncooked.”

He stated that he has instructed his crew to be sure that all federal assets can be found to expedite the investigation.

“I promise you the day will come … when the reminiscence of your beloved will carry a smile to your lips earlier than a tear to your eye … my prayer is that that day comes ahead of later,” Biden stated.

Initially of the service, Archbishop Gregory Aymond learn out a message of condolence from Pope Francis, whom Biden is because of go to in Rome later this week.

On Jan. 6, the Biden administration introduced further actions in response to the latest assault, notably to assist the town put together for upcoming key occasions, together with Mardi Gras and the Tremendous Bowl.

The Mardi Gras, which takes place from Feb. 21 to March 4, has been raised to a degree one Particular Occasion Evaluation Ranking (SEAR), the best doable risk ranking assigned to an occasion. Tremendous Bowl LIX is already a SEAR 1 occasion. Therefore, these two main occasions will obtain in depth federal assist to make sure their security and safety.

“Federal help might embody explosive detection canine groups, cyber threat assessments, venue screening, and subject intelligence groups, and air safety and tactical operations assist along with the assist already offered by state and native governments,” the White Home stated in a truth sheet.

The FBI has deployed further particular brokers, analysts, and bomb technicians to assist in the investigation of the assault.

The federal authorities can be serving to small enterprise homeowners impacted by the tragic occasion. The Small Enterprise Administration introduced on Jan. 3 that it will present federal catastrophe loans to small companies and personal nonprofit organizations in Louisiana to offset any financial loss brought on by the assault.

As well as, the federal authorities launched on-site psychological well being providers to assist restoration.

Federal investigators earlier acknowledged that Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, who carried out the New Yr’s Day terrorist assault in New Orleans, had sworn allegiance to the ISIS terrorist group.

An ISIS flag was found on the hitch of the truck that Jabbar had used, officers stated.

“All investigative particulars and proof that we have now now nonetheless assist that Jabbar acted alone right here in New Orleans,” Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia stated on Jan. 5 at a press convention.

“We’ve got not seen any indications of an confederate in the US, however we’re nonetheless trying into potential associates within the U.S. and outdoors of our borders.”

Jack Phillips contributed to this report.