President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden arrived in New Orleans on Monday to attend a prayer service for the victims’ families and those affected by the New Year’s Day attack. Before the service, they visited a memorial on Bourbon Street to honor the victims, laying a bouquet of flowers.
The Bidens also aimed to thank first responders while in the city, as stated by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. The visit follows an attack by 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a Texas Army veteran and realtor, who allegedly drove a rented truck into Bourbon Street on New Year’s Day, killing 14 and injuring dozens. Jabbar was killed in a shootout with police.
The prayer service will be held at the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, and is hosted by the Archdiocese of New Orleans. The Bidens’ visit highlights ongoing efforts to support the victims and the local community.
Additionally, the Biden administration announced it would provide more federal resources to New Orleans ahead of the Mardi Gras celebrations, with enhanced security coordination and support for major events like the Super Bowl.
