It is claimed that the purported attacker drove a truck into the crowd after entering the U.S. through Eagle Pass, Texas, just two days earlier. Even though authorities have not yet disclosed the suspect's citizenship status, Trump took the opportunity to attack Biden's border policies.
"I alerted that the criminals coming into our country were far more dangerous than the ones we already had, I was ridiculed by Democrats and the Fake News Media. Now, it's clear I was correct," Trump wrote on Truth Social. He further stated, "The crime rate in America is at a historic high. Our thoughts are with the innocent victims and their families, as well as the heroic officers of the New Orleans Police Department."
Trump also pledged full federal aid to New Orleans as the city navigates the aftermath of the attack.
This Ambush happens during an ongoing national debate about border security and immigration control. Opponents claim that the Biden administration's policies have raised threats to public safety.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans offered her condolences and vowed a full investigation into the attack. "We will not permit this senseless violence to define us," she remarked.
Simultaneously, President Joe Biden faced reproach for his initial response to the tragedy. His first public statement of 2025, posted on X at 10 a.m. ET, read only, "Happy New Year, folks," drawing swift condemnation for being seen as tone-deaf and disconnected.
After more than an hour, Biden put out a formal statement denouncing the attack as an “act of terrorism” and expressing his heartfelt sympathy to the victims' families.
The tragedy took place around 3 a.m. local time when a driver drove into a crowd on Bourbon Street before opening fire. The assault left at least 10 people dead and many others injured. The suspect, reportedly wearing body armor and armed with an assault rifle, slammed a vehicle into the crowd at the corner of Bourbon and Canal Streets before shooting. Police responded, and a federal law enforcement source later confirmed that the suspect is thought to be dead.
Disturbing footage circulating on social media revealed several victims as gunshots echoed, sending terrified revelers scattering. Victims were transported to five nearby hospitals, but law enforcement has not yet disclosed the suspect’s identity or provided any details regarding arrests.