On Wednesday evening, President Joe Biden addressed the nation from Camp David following a terrorist attack in New Orleans that left at least 15 people dead. The attacker, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, drove through a crowd during New Year’s Eve celebrations, killing at least 15 and injuring 35. Authorities confirmed that Jabbar was part of a larger network of terrorists.
Earlier in the day, Biden briefly spoke with reporters in Wilmington, Delaware before departing for Camp David. When questioned about the attack, Biden made a statement offering little new information. He mentioned, “You all got my statement. I’ll have more to say in next hour about what’s going on in New Orleans… I’ve spoken to every member of the agencies, from CIA to national security team to FBI and NSC… anger and frustration.”
"You all got my statement. I'll have more to say in next hour about what's going on in New Orleans…I've spoken to every member of the agencies, from CIA to national security team to FBI and NSC…anger and frustration"
— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) January 1, 2025
– Biden reacts 10 killed as driver plows truck into crowd pic.twitter.com/wgaO8zBL3G
In his evening address, Biden said, “Hours before, he posted videos on social media indicating that he is inspired by ISIS, expressing a desire to kill.”
🚨 #BREAKING: New Orleans attacker was inspired by ISIS, President Biden announces.
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 2, 2025
"Hours before, he posted videos on social media indicating that he is inspired by ISIS, expressing a desire to kill."
"The situation is very fluid."
"The FBI is leading the investigation to… pic.twitter.com/kz3xII1g1b
Despite these remarks, Biden did not take any questions about the attack and quickly walked away from the lectern.
JUST IN: Biden walks away from the press without taking any questions on today's heinous attacks. pic.twitter.com/IOM34aJlX5
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 2, 2025