President Joe Biden and first girl Jill Biden attended a somber prayer service in New Orleans on Monday for households of victims and impacted neighborhood members following the New Year’s Day attack within the metropolis.
“I do know occasions like this are exhausting. The shock and ache continues to be so very uncooked,” Biden mentioned whereas giving remarks through the service. “My spouse Jill and I are right here to face with you, to grieve with you, to wish with you, to let you understand you aren’t alone.”
Biden mirrored on the 14 individuals killed and 35 injured within the “horrific act of terrorism,” in addition to the primary responders and legislation enforcement officers “who risked their lives to cease the phobia.” He additionally provided phrases of solace to the victims’ households.
President Joe Biden and first girl Jill Biden stroll to the alter to position a candle as they take part in an interfaith prayer service for the victims of the lethal New Years truck assault, at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, Jan. 6, 2025.
Stephanie Scarbrough/AP
“You recognize, from some expertise, it is exhausting, however I promise you, the day will come when the reminiscence of your beloved… will carry a smile to your lips earlier than a tear to your eye. It’ll take time, however I promise you. I promise you it’ll come,” Biden mentioned.
“My prayer is that that day comes sooner somewhat than later, however it’s going to come, and when it does, you might discover goal in your ache, to dwell the life worthy of the one you misplaced,” he continued.
New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond thanked the Bidens for becoming a member of them in prayer on the service, which was attended by a number of elected officers, together with Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
President Joe Biden (third L) and First Woman Jill Biden (2nd L), alongside the Governor of Louisiana Jeff Landry (L), attend an interfaith prayer service with the households and neighborhood members impacted by the January 1 truck assault in New Orleans, on the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, in New Orleans, on Jan. 6, 2025.
Roberto Schmidt/AFP through Getty Pictures
“We by no means anticipate such a tragedy to occur at house, however we by no means know when evil will elevate its ugly head,” Aymond mentioned through the service.
“This assault was not only a wound to New Orleans, but it surely was a wound to our nation, to our world and to our seek for freedom,” he mentioned.
The names of the 14 people killed in the attack have been learn through the service, as candles have been positioned for every sufferer on a desk on the altar steps. The Bidens additionally positioned a candle described as a logo of unity and peace.
President Joe Biden speaks throughout an interfaith prayer service with the households and neighborhood members impacted by the January 1 truck assault in New Orleans, on the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, in New Orleans, on Jan. 6, 2025.
Roberto Schmidt/AFP through Getty Pictures
The hourlong interfaith service featured prayers led by members of Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist faiths.
Forward of the prayer service, the Bidens visited a memorial on New Orleans’ Bourbon Road for the victims of the assault and laid a bouquet of flowers. In addition they met with the households, survivors and native legislation enforcement impacted by the assault, the White Home mentioned.
The go to comes days after a suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, an Army veteran and Houston realtor, allegedly drove a rented truck into Bourbon Road within the early hours of New 12 months’s Day. At the least 14 individuals have been killed and dozens have been injured within the attack, which occurred over a three-block stretch of the vacationer vacation spot in New Orleans’ bustling French Quarter.
President Joe Biden and First Woman Jill Biden place a candle, representing these killed, on the altar throughout an interfaith prayer service with the households and neighborhood members impacted by the January 1 truck assault in New Orleans, on the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, in New Orleans, on Jan. 6, 2025.
Roberto Schmidt/AFP through Getty Pictures
A girl lights candles at a makeshift memorial for the victims at Bourbon Road, days after a U.S. Military veteran drove his truck into the crowded French Quarter on New 12 months’s Day in New Orleans, Louisiana, January 5, 2025.
Eduardo Munoz/Reuters
Jabbar, a Texas resident who FBI officers mentioned proclaimed his assist for the phobia group ISIS in social media posts forward of the assault, was killed in gunfire exchanged with New Orleans police.
The 14 victims who died included a younger mom instructing her son to learn, a former faculty soccer participant “on prime of the world” dwelling in New York Metropolis and an 18-year-old aspiring nurse.
President Joe Biden and first girl Jill Biden take part in an interfaith prayer service for the victims of the lethal New Years truck assault, at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, Jan. 6, 2025.
Stephanie Scarbrough/AP
The prayer service attended by the Bidens was hosted by the Archdiocese of New Orleans on the St. Louis Cathedral.
President Joe Biden and first girl Jill Biden attend an Interfaith Prayer Service for Peace and Therapeutic hosted by the Archdiocese of New Orleans on the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, days after a U.S. Military veteran drove a truck into the crowded French Quarter on New 12 months’s Day, in New Orleans, Jan. 6, 2025.
Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
“Archbishop [Gregory Michael] Aymond continues to supply his prayers and condolences to these affected by this tragedy,” the archdiocese mentioned in its announcement. “He asks that every one take part prayer for our neighborhood right now and day by day as we work to construct a tradition that respects the life and dignity of all individuals.”
Within the wake of the assault, the Biden administration mentioned Monday it’s going to commit further federal sources to New Orleans for the upcoming Mardi Gras festivities. Between Feb. 21 and March 4, the town will likely be receiving SEAR-1 standing, that means the federal authorities coordinates all safety associated to the occasion and brings in additional federal sources to assist with safety.
The Tremendous Bowl, which will likely be held in New Orleans subsequent month on the Caesars Superdome, can also be a SEAR-1 occasion.
