Biden visits New Orleans for prayer service after deadly New Year's attack: 'You are not alone'

President Joe Biden arrived in New Orleans on Monday afternoon.

January 6, 2025, 8:16 PM

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden attended a somber prayer service in New Orleans on Monday for families of victims and impacted community members following the New Year's Day attack in the city.

"I know events like this are hard. The shock and pain is still so very raw," Biden said while giving remarks during the service. "My wife Jill and I are here to stand with you, to grieve with you, to pray with you, to let you know you are not alone."

Biden reflected on the 14 people killed and 35 injured in the "horrific act of terrorism," as well as the first responders and law enforcement officers "who risked their lives to stop the terror." He also offered words of solace to the victims' families.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden walk to the alter to place a candle as they participate in an interfaith prayer service for the victims of the deadly New Years truck attack, at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, Jan. 6, 2025.
Stephanie Scarbrough/AP

"You know, from some experience, it's hard, but I promise you, the day will come when the memory of your loved one... will bring a smile to your lips before a tear to your eye. It will take time, but I promise you. I promise you it will come," Biden said.

"My prayer is that that day comes sooner rather than later, but it will come, and when it does, you may find purpose in your pain, to live the life worthy of the one you lost," he continued.

New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond thanked the Bidens for joining them in prayer at the service, which was attended by multiple elected officials, including Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell.

PHOTO: President Biden and the First Lady, alongside the Governor of Louisiana Jeff Landry, attend an interfaith prayer service for the victims of the attack in New Orleans, at the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, on Jan. 6, 2025.
President Joe Biden (3rd L) and First Lady Jill Biden (2nd L), alongside the Governor of Louisiana Jeff Landry (L), attend an interfaith prayer service with the families and community members impacted by the January 1 truck attack in New Orleans, at the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, in New Orleans, on Jan. 6, 2025.
Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

"We never expect such a tragedy to happen at home, but we never know when evil will raise its ugly head," Aymond said during the service.

"This attack was not just a wound to New Orleans, but it was a wound to our nation, to our world and to our search for freedom," he said.

The names of the 14 people killed in the attack were read during the service, as candles were placed for each victim on a table on the altar steps. The Bidens also placed a candle described as a symbol of unity and peace.

President Joe Biden speaks during an interfaith prayer service with the families and community members impacted by the January 1 truck attack in New Orleans, at the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, in New Orleans, on Jan. 6, 2025.
Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

The hourlong interfaith service featured prayers led by members of Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist faiths.

Ahead of the prayer service, the Bidens visited a memorial on New Orleans' Bourbon Street for the victims of the attack and laid a bouquet of flowers. They also met with the families, survivors and local law enforcement impacted by the attack, the White House said.

The visit comes days after a suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, an Army veteran and Houston realtor, allegedly drove a rented truck into Bourbon Street in the early hours of New Year's Day. At least 14 people were killed and dozens were injured in the attack, which occurred over a three-block stretch of the tourist destination in New Orleans' bustling French Quarter.

PHOTO: President Biden and the First Lady place a candle at the altar during an interfaith prayer service with the community members impacted by the attack in New Orleans, at the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, on Jan. 6, 2025.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden place a candle, representing those killed, at the altar during an interfaith prayer service with the families and community members impacted by the January 1 truck attack in New Orleans, at the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, in New Orleans, on Jan. 6, 2025.
Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images
A woman lights candles at a makeshift memorial for the victims at Bourbon Street, days after a U.S. Army veteran drove his truck into the crowded French Quarter on New Year's Day in New Orleans, Louisiana, January 5, 2025.
Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

Jabbar, a Texas resident who FBI officials said proclaimed his support for the terror group ISIS in social media posts ahead of the attack, was killed in gunfire exchanged with New Orleans police.

The 14 victims who died included a young mother teaching her son to read, a former college football player "on top of the world" living in New York City and an 18-year-old aspiring nurse.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden participate in an interfaith prayer service for the victims of the deadly New Years truck attack, 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 at the St. Louis Cathedral.

PHOTO: President Biden and the first lady attend an Interfaith Prayer Service for Peace and Healing hosted by the Archdiocese of New Orleans at the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, days after the attack in New Orleans, Jan. 6, 2025.
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden attend an Interfaith Prayer Service for Peace and Healing hosted by the Archdiocese of New Orleans at the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, days after a U.S. Army veteran drove a truck into the crowded French Quarter on New Year's Day, in New Orleans, Jan. 6, 2025.
Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

"Archbishop [Gregory Michael] Aymond continues to offer his prayers and condolences to those affected by this tragedy," the archdiocese said in its announcement. "He asks that all join in prayer for our community today and every day as we work to build a culture that respects the life and dignity of all people."

In the wake of the attack, the Biden administration said Monday it will commit additional federal resources to New Orleans for the upcoming Mardi Gras festivities. Between Feb. 21 and March 4, the city will be receiving SEAR-1 status, meaning the federal government coordinates all security related to the event and brings in more federal resources to help with security.

The Super Bowl, which will be held in New Orleans next month at the Caesars Superdome, is also a SEAR-1 event.