WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — As federal investigators investigate the deadly New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans, President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump had starkly different reactions.
At least 15 people were killed and dozens more injured after a vehicle drove into a crowd on Canal and Bourbon Streets early Wednesday morning in what the FBI is investigating as an act of terrorism.
The White House said Biden has held multiple briefings with federal law enforcement and U.S. Department of Homeland Security leaders. The Department of Justice also sent agents and other resources to New Orleans to help investigators.
What is Turo? Car rental app used in New Orleans and Las Vegas
Biden said there is “no justification” for what he described as a “despicable act.”
“I know while this person committed a terrible assault on the city, the spirit of New Orleans will never be defeated. It will always shine forth. We’ve seen it time and time again throughout its history, and I know we’ll see it again,” Biden said during an address from Camp David.
Trump also weighed in on the violence, writing on Truth Social, “Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department. The Trump Administration will fully support the City of New Orleans as they investigate and recover from this act of pure evil!”
Lawmakers want answers from DHS, FBI
Meanwhile, some lawmakers are weighing in on the security failures that led to the incident, demanding more answers from federal authorities.
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., is asking the Senate Homeland Security Committee to call on Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and outgoing FBI Director Christopher Wray to testify before they leave office.
‘90%’ sure New Orleans attacker was living in Airbnb: Neighbor
In a letter sent Wednesday to the incoming chairman of the committee Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., Hawley said the Mayorkas and Wray should give a “full account of this attack” and report any department failures.
Hawley added that Biden administration officials “cannot shirk public accountability” as Biden’s term ends.
Meanwhile, Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., claims the New Orleans attack shows the need for the Senate to confirm Trump’s national security team as soon as possible, adding that lives could depend on it.
