President-elect Donald Trump denounced the New Orleans terror attack, labeling it a “pure act of evil” and blaming rampant illegal migration under President Joe Biden for the tragedy.
The attack, which killed 10 and injured over 30, involved a rented Ford electric vehicle that crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in November through Eagle Pass, Texas.
Uncertainty Surrounds Suspect’s Identity
While the truck used in the attack had Texas license plates, officials clarified that the driver was not the individual who originally brought the vehicle across the border. The citizenship status of the suspect remains unconfirmed, but federal investigators are exploring potential links to immigration policies and terrorism.
Trump’s Response on Social Media
Trump took to Truth Social to criticize Biden’s border policies, stating, “When I said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted… but it turned out to be true.” He pledged full federal support to New Orleans as the city recovers from what he called an “act of pure evil.”
Criticism of Biden’s Reaction
President Joe Biden faced backlash for his perceived delayed and tone-deaf response. Hours after the attack, Biden posted a simple “Happy New Year, folks” on social media, which many criticized as insensitive. Later, he condemned the attack as terrorism and promised federal assistance during a call with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
Federal and Local Investigations Ongoing
The FBI has taken over the investigation, treating the incident as an act of terrorism. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect, who was reportedly wearing body armor and armed with an assault rifle, firing into the crowd after ramming the vehicle into revelers. Videos from the scene showed chaos as people fled while gunfire echoed in the background.
Leaders Respond to the Tragedy
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson condemned the attack, calling for swift justice and offering prayers for victims and first responders. Attorney General Merrick Garland also expressed condolences, stating that the FBI, ATF, and DOJ are working closely with local authorities to uncover the motive behind the “horrific tragedy.”
As New Orleans mourns the lives lost and the injured, federal and local officials continue their efforts to uncover the motives behind the attack and ensure the safety of the community.
