Jan. 6 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden traveled Monday to Louisiana following the recent New Year's Day terror attack that left 14 dead and 35 injured in New Orleans.
The Bidens landed in New Orleans on Monday afternoon and met with grieving families of the victims killed during last week's terror attack, the White House confirmed.
Biden also met with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, special agent in charge of the investigation for the FBI, Lionel Myrthil, and Laura Cassidy, the wife of Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., as the White House announced additional federal resources to increase security ahead of next month's Super Bowl and Mardi Gras in March.
"We will use every tool available to fill local capability shortfalls to assure safe and secure events," said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
During their visit, the Bidens stopped at Bourbon Street, the site of the attack, where the first lady laid flowers at a memorial honoring the victims. In the evening, they attended an interfaith prayer service at St. Louis Cathedral hosted by the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
"Archbishop [Gregory Michael] Aymond continues to offer his prayers and condolences to those affected by this tragedy," the archdiocese said in a statement. "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."
During his remarks at the service, Biden said he grieved over the lives lost and vowed to support the French Quarter and "all the people of New Orleans as they heal."
"And if there's one thing we know, New Orleans defines strength and resilience," Biden added, citing Hurricane Katrina.
"I know events like this are hard. And the shock and pain are still so very raw. My wife Jill and I are here to stand with you, agree with you, pray with you and let you know you not alone," Biden said, as he announced plans to help New Orleans recover.
"I'm directing my team to make every resource available to federal, state and local law enforcement to complete this investigation quickly," Biden said.
Authorities say Texas native and U.S. Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, was a pledged Islamic State loyalist who drove a rented pickup truck through a crowded New Year's Bourbon Street before he was shot and killed by local police. Makeshift memorials were created to honor the victims ahead of the Biden's visit.
Meanwhile, Louisiana's Republican Gov. Jeff Landry planned to ask Biden to issue a disaster declaration to give the state greater flexibility in federal support as it takes its next steps.
Also on Monday, Mayor Cantrell announced that this year's Mardi Gras festivities will have a level one SEAR threat rating outside its typical level two rating. Cantrell said she has been attempting to secure that rating since 2019, NOLA reported.
"Mardi Gras 2025 is going to be the safest ever," the mayor said.
