New Orleans Suspect Posted Videos Expressing a 'Desire to Kill' and Being 'Inspired by ISIS' Hours Before Attack, Biden Says

Mar. 15, 2025

On Wednesday, Jan. 1, the president, 82, condemned the “despicable” and “heinous act,” whichkilled 15 peopleand injured dozens of others, in a speech shared on The White House’sX(formerly known as Twitter) page.

Paying tribute to the victims in his statement, Biden said, “I know I can speak for all Americans when I say our hearts are with the people of New Orleans after the despicable attack that occurred in the early morning hours.”

“To all the families of those who were killed, to all those who were injured, to all the people in New Orleans who are grieving today, I want you to know I grieve with you, our nation grieves with you. We’re going to stand with you as you mourn and as you heal in the weeks to come,” he continued.

President Joe Biden.CHRIS KLEPONIS/AFP via Getty

CHRIS KLEPONIS/AFP via Getty

“The FBI has reported to me, the killer was an American citizen, born in Texas. He served in the United States Army on active duty for many years. He also served in the Army Reserve until a few years ago,” Biden said.

The attack occurred on Bourbon Street in New Orleans in the early hours of New Year’s Day.Michael DeMocker/Getty

Michael DeMocker/Getty

The FBI previously shared in anews releasethat the deceased suspect — who died after being involved in a police shootout, whichleft two officers injured, but in stable condition— had an ISIS flag in his vehicle.

“The FBI is working to determine the subject’s potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations,” they confirmed.

A photo of Bourbon Street in New Orleans following the New Year’s Day attack.Michael DeMocker/Getty

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In Wednesday’s speech, Biden said the investigation was ongoing and at the preliminary stages. He also commented on the investigation into whether there were any possible connections between the attack and theexplosion of a Tesla Cybertruckoutside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Jan. 1.

“Thus far, there is nothing to report … at this time,” he said.

One person died in the Cybertruck explosion, Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed on Jan. 1. McMahill added that seven people suffered reportedly minor injuries.

source: people.com