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.
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.
"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.
"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.
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.
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.
The prayer service attended by the Bidens was hosted by the Archdiocese of New Orleans at the St. Louis Cathedral.
"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.