President Biden addressed the attack in New Orleans on Wednesday evening from a hangar at Camp David.
He said the hearts of all Americans are with the people of New Orleans and addressed the families of those who were killed or injured in the attack, as well as all the people of New Orleans.
“We’re going to stand with you as you mourn and as you heal the weeks to come,” he said.
Biden described the investigation as “preliminary” and said authorities are still trying to determine whether there is any continuing threat to public safety. He noted that the killer was an American citizen who was born in Texas and served on active duty in the United States Army, as well as the Army Reserve until a few years ago.
Biden also referenced videos that the killer recorded and posted on social media, where the perpetrator indicated that he was inspired by ISIS — including in the desire to kill.
“The situation is very fluid,” Biden said. “The law enforcement [and the] intelligence community continue to look for any connections, associations or co-conspirators. We have nothing additional to report at this time — the investigation is continuing to be active, and no one should jump to conclusions.”
Biden said authorities are also tracking the explosion of a cyber truck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, but he did not answer a shouted question as he left the podium about whether that explosion is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism.
The president said law enforcement is trying to determine whether there’s any possible connection with the attack in New Orleans. “Thus far, there’s nothing to report on that score,” he said.
Biden said his team is making every resource available to federal, state and local law enforcement “to complete the investigation in New Orleans quickly and make sure there is no remaining threat to the American people.”
“New Orleans is a place unlike any other place in the world, a city full of charm and joy. So many people around the world love the New Orleans because of its history, its culture and above all its people,” he said. “The spirit of New Orleans will never, never, never be defeated.”
The president is spending the night at Camp David.
