‘Our hearts are with the individuals in New Orleans after the despicable assault that occurred within the early morning hours,’ President Joe Biden mentioned on Thursday.
At about 3:15 a.m. native time on Jan. 1, a person rammed a pick-up truck into city-goers on Canal and Bourbon streets in New Orleans.
After stopping the truck, the suspect emerged from the automobile and opened fireplace on legislation enforcement officers, who returned fireplace, in accordance with New Orleans police.
“I do know I can communicate for all People once I say our hearts are with the individuals in New Orleans after the despicable assault that occurred within the early morning hours,” Biden mentioned. “Our nation grieves with you. We’re going to face with you as you mourn and as you heal within the weeks to come back.”
The president thanked first responders and legislation enforcement personnel who responded to the assault and prevented the suspect from killing or injuring extra individuals. Biden mentioned the Division of Homeland Safety, Division of Justice, and FBI are “working nonstop to analyze this heinous act.”
Biden mentioned the FBI informed him that the suspect, Jabbar, is a U.S. citizen who was born in Texas and served within the U.S. Military on lively responsibility for a few years.
FBI officers say Jabbar posted movies on social media celebrating the terrorist group ISIS and expressing a “want to kill” forward of the assault, Biden added. An ISIS flag was discovered within the automobile.
“The state of affairs could be very fluid, and the investigation is at a preliminary stage … the legislation enforcement and intelligence group are persevering with to search for any connections, associations, or coconspirators,” Biden mentioned. “We now have nothing further to report right now. The investigation is constant to be lively, and nobody ought to bounce to conclusions.”
The White Home mentioned it might launch further particulars on Biden’s Jan. 6 New Orleans journey quickly.
Jack Phillips contributed to this report.