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President Joe Biden paid tribute to the victims of the recent New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans, emphasizing the city’s indomitable spirit during an interfaith prayer service held at St. Louis Cathedral.
Addressing grieving families and survivors, Biden described New Orleans as a symbol of resilience and strength, a sentiment echoed through his heartfelt words.
“If there’s one thing we know, New Orleans defines strength and resilience, you define it,” Biden said. “Whether it’s this horrific attack, hurricanes, or super storms, this city always gets back up.
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That’s the spirit of America as well.” He called the attack, which left 14 dead and dozens injured, a “horrific act of terrorism.”
The attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas, drove a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street while displaying an ISIS flag, adding a chilling layer to the tragedy.
Biden acknowledged the deep pain and shock experienced by the victims' families, drawing from his personal experiences of loss.
“I know it’s been five days staring at that empty chair in the kitchen, not hearing that voice. Jill and I stand with you, grieve with you, and pray with you. You are not alone; the entire nation is with you,” he said.
During his remarks, Biden honored the victims, highlighting their diverse lives—students, athletes, workers, and a single mother recently promoted at her job.
“Some even ran toward the chaos to help others. We remember them,” he said. He also expressed gratitude to the first responders and pledged a swift investigation, urging law enforcement to resolve the case quickly.
The service featured leaders from various faiths and included a poignant candle-lighting ceremony for the 14 victims.
Reverend Ajani Gibson of Saint Peter Claver Church read each victim's name, followed by the Bidens placing a candle at the center of the circle.
Before the service, the President and First Lady visited Bourbon Street to lay flowers at a memorial shrine, pausing in silence to honor the victims.
They also met with survivors, families, and local law enforcement affected by the attack.
Biden reassured the nation that the perpetrator acted alone and dismissed any connection between the New Orleans attack and a recent truck explosion in Las Vegas.
He referenced FBI findings that Jabbar had planted explosives in nearby locations and possessed a remote detonator.
Meanwhile, President-elect Trump criticized Biden’s border policies on Truth Social, blaming them for rising violent crimes and citing the attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas as examples of systemic failures.
This solemn service underscored Biden’s message of unity and the enduring strength of New Orleans, as the city continues to heal from the devastating tragedy.
