Biden to Visit New Orleans Monday and Mourn with Grieving Families
The New York Times
Mr. Biden’s trip to New Orleans, his latest as “consoler in chief,” joins a lengthy history of presidential visits to a city that has seen more than its share of tragedies and disasters.
President Biden will travel to New Orleans on Monday to meet with local and state officials, the families of victims and others affected by the deadly Jan. 1 terror attack in the city, according to the White House.
Mr. Biden’s visit will be one of his final acts as the nation’s “consoler in chief.” He will be accompanied by the first lady, Jill Biden, the White House announcement said.
The attack occurred early on New Year’s Day, when a man sped a rented pickup truck through a New Orleans street crowded with revelers, killing 14 people and injuring dozens more. He was killed in a shootout with police officers.
Among the victims of the attack were a young mother who had just received a promotion at work, a teenager who had sneaked out to celebrate the New Year and a lifelong city resident who loved spending time on Bourbon Street, where the attack occurred.
The authorities have identified the attacker as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen who they said was inspired by the Islamic State terrorist group. The F.B.I. has classified the attack as an act of terrorism and said he was believed to have acted alone.
Mr. Biden spoke about the attack in a televised address from Camp David on Thursday. “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,” he said. “Our nation grieves with you.”
