President-elect Donald Trump has condemned the terror attack that left at least 10 people dead and over 30 injured during a festive gathering in New Orleans, describing it as a “pure act of evil” and laying blame on an illegal migrant and President Joe Biden’s immigration policies.
The alleged perpetrator reportedly drove a truck into the crowd, having entered the United States through Eagle Pass, Texas, just two days prior.
While law enforcement officials have yet to confirm the suspect’s citizenship status, Trump seized on the incident to renew criticism of Biden’s border policies.
“When I said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted by Democrats and the Fake News Media, but it turned out to be true,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He said, “The crime rate in our country is at a level that nobody has ever seen before. Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department.”
Trump also pledged full federal support for New Orleans as the city grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy.
The attack comes amid heightened debates over border security and immigration enforcement, with critics accusing the Biden administration of lax oversight that they claim endangers public safety.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell expressed condolences to the victims and vowed a thorough investigation. “We will not let this senseless violence define us,” she said in a statement.
Mail Online reports that President Joe Biden is under fire for what critics call a “tone-deaf” response following the deadly attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve.
The incident occurred around 3 a.m. local time when a driver plowed into a crowd on Bourbon Street before opening fire, leaving at least 10 dead and many more injured.
Biden’s first public statement of 2025, posted on X at 10 a.m. ET, was a simple “Happy New Year, folks,” drawing immediate backlash.
However, more than an hour later, the president issued a formal statement condemning the attack as an “act of terrorism” and offering condolences to the victims’ families.
Outraged social media users criticised Biden’s initial post as insensitive and out of touch.
The suspect, reportedly wearing body armor and armed with an assault rifle, rammed a vehicle into the crowd at the intersection of Bourbon and Canal Streets before opening fire.
Police returned fire, and a federal law enforcement source later confirmed that the suspect is believed to be dead.
Graphic videos from the scene shared on social media show multiple casualties as shots rang out, sending terrified revelers fleeing.
Victims were transported to five area hospitals, and authorities have yet to release the suspect’s identity or details about any arrests.