Biden Condemns New Orleans Attack, Vows ‘No Tolerance for Violence’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Joe Biden condemned the deadly New Orleans truck-ramming attack as “an act of terrorism” and pledged full federal support. The FBI has taken over the investigation following the incident, which killed 10 and injured over 35. Political leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, called for swift justice.
New Orleans Attack: Biden and Political Leaders Respond
Biden’s Condemnation and Support
- No Tolerance for Violence: President Biden condemned the attack, saying, “There is no justification for violence of any kind.”
- Federal Assistance Offered: Biden called New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell to pledge federal support for the investigation and recovery.
- Continuous Briefings: The President received updates from FBI and DHS officials while preparing to leave for Camp David.
FBI Declares Attack as Terrorism
- Initial Confusion: The FBI initially stated the attack was not terrorism but later confirmed it as an “act of terrorism.”
- Explosive Devices Found: Improvised explosive devices were recovered at the scene, heightening concerns about the attacker’s motives.
- Suspect Killed: The driver, who engaged in a firefight with police, was fatally shot.
Mayor and Speaker’s Statements
- Mayor Cantrell: Declared the attack a “terrorist act,” emphasizing its impact on the community.
- Speaker Mike Johnson: Called the incident “an act of pure evil” and demanded accountability for any involved individuals.
Biden Condemns New Orleans Attack, Vows ‘No Tolerance for Violence’
Deep Look
Biden’s Call for Unity and Action
President Joe Biden issued a strong statement following the horrific attack on Bourbon Street, where a truck driver plowed into a crowd celebrating New Year’s Eve. The President expressed condolences to the victims and their families and underscored the nation’s commitment to ensuring such acts of violence are met with justice.
“The FBI is leading the investigation,” Biden noted, “and I will continue to receive updates throughout the day.” His statement emphasized the administration’s zero-tolerance policy for attacks on U.S. communities.
Biden reached out directly to New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, offering full federal assistance to support the city’s response and recovery efforts.
The FBI Investigation
Initially hesitant to label the incident as terrorism, the FBI later reversed course, declaring it an act of terrorism after improvised explosive devices were found at the scene. The suspect, who engaged police in a firefight, was killed on site. Authorities continue to examine the attacker’s motives and any potential connections to larger threats.
Political Reactions and Calls for Accountability
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, called for swift justice, describing the attack as “pure evil.” His comments echoed a bipartisan demand for accountability and a thorough investigation into the events leading up to the tragedy.
Mayor Cantrell reinforced the classification of the incident as a terrorist act, highlighting its devastating impact on the community.
Broader Implications
The attack has renewed discussions on domestic terrorism, public safety, and law enforcement’s role in preventing such tragedies. With federal agencies now taking the lead, officials aim to uncover the attacker’s motivations and prevent similar incidents in the future.
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